USSSA Pride Announce the Signing of Lauren Lappin

Kissimmee, Fla. – The USSSA Florida Pride, a member of the Women’s National Professional Fastpitch League (NPF), is proud to announce the recent signing of former Olympic Silver Medalist, Lauren Lappin, to their 2010 roster.

Lappin will be joining fellow Team USA members Jessica Mendoza and Natasha Watley as new additions to the Pride for the 2010 season. The three will be adding to an already impressive team, featuring former Olympians and Team USA members Monica Abbott, Kelly Kretschman, and Caitlin Lowe as well as recently signed Katie Burkhart, formerly of Arizona State University and the NPF’s Philadelphia Force.

In 2003, Lappin led the USA Softball Elite team to the Canada Cup gold medal, being recognized as the Top Defensive Player at the competition. She was a member of the 2004 National Team and served as an alternate for the Olympic Games. After a two year hiatus, Lappin returned to the national team in 2007. During this season, Lappin became a gold medalist at the Pan American Games, hitting .400 (2-for-5) with three RBI and a run scored, as well as a World Cup Champion, scoring three runs and finishing the World Cup with a batting average of .375. She hit .583 at the Canada Cup with a double, triple, and three homeruns for 10 RBI. In 2008, Lappin became an Olympic silver medalist at the games in Beijing, China.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the USSSA Pride,” said Lappin. “USSSA has provided a safe and competitive place for kids and adults to participate in the sports they love. Now, with the support of USSSA, a group of amazingly talented women are able to compete at the professional level. I am excited to get on the field with my new teammates and represent all of the great fastpitch players and fans from Florida as we work toward an NPF Championship.”

The Pride’s 2010 season will kick off June 9th in Lubbock, Tex. when the team faces the Chicago Bandits at the stadium of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The opening game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. local time. For complete information on the USSSA Florida Pride, visit www.usssapride.com.