NFCA Endorses USSSA’s UCBL
USSSA has formed an Elite College and Beyond League [UCBL]; the league will allow current and past College softball players a chance to play against top notch competition during the summer. It also allows the players that no longer have any college eligibility to be exposed to the NPF [National Professional League]. The UCBL will be governed by USSSA and the USSSA Fastpitch Elite National Committee. The UCBL will follow and adapt to the NCAA Fastpitch Playing rules and abide by any restrictions regarding college athletes as outlined in the current NCAA Constitution Operating Bylaws and Administrative Bylaws and any other Collegiate Governing Body.
Lacy Lee Baker, NFCA Executive Director stated “The UCBL will provide some great opportunities for summer play for college and post-college players. Since the league will make sure all NCAA rules regarding amateurism are being followed, college players will have a great option if they want to continue competition during the non-collegiate season.”
As of March 15, 2011 the UCBL has established 6 teams and is looking for 2 more teams to start the 2011 season. Players from the following teams that have used their NCAA eligibility will be allowed to possibly move up and play for the NPF teams.
1. Wilson Select Georgia Larry Barnes [email protected]
2. Carolina Elite South Carolina Neal Hopper [email protected]
3. Grand Slam North Carolina Charlie Dobbins [email protected]
4. SO Cal Scorpions California Darryl Joynt [email protected]
5. USSSA Pride Virginia Rick Anderson [email protected]
6. Wagner Maryland Dean Wassmann [email protected]
Rick Anderson, manager of the Virginia USSSA Pride says “We are excited about this opportunity for college players and young lady’s that have exhausted their collegiate eligibility having a place play. It’s going to give younger girls a chance to see the sport played at a higher level. To be endorsed by the NFCA and NPF and supported by USSSA, I know it’s going to help the game! “
The top 4 teams of the UCBL will qualify to play in Sulfur, Louisiana in August in conjunction with the NPF playoff series.
Mickey Dean and Gordon Glennie head up the USSSA UCBL with the assistance of an advisory group composed of the following distinguished members:
Tom Turley USSSA
Jessica Mendoza USSSA Florida Pride
J D Bancroft USSSA Texas Elite
Rick Anderson Virginia USSSA Pride
Lacy Lee Baker NFCA
Gaye Lynn Wilson NPF
Jennie Finch Chicago Bandits [Retired 2010]
Larry Brushette Mizuno
Venus Taylor Wilson
Kirk Walker Oregon State University
Sue Enquist ESPN-UCLA
Dr. George Davis NCAA Compliance
For further information regarding the USSSA UCBL please contact:
Gordon Glennie via email [email protected]
Mickey Dean via email [email protected]
About USSSA Florida Pride:
The USSSA Florida Pride is a professional franchise in the National Pro Fastpitch League that is owned and operated by USSSA. The amateur organization of USSSA has multi-sport coverage and encompasses teams and players from the United States and abroad.
About NPF:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!