NPF Akron Racers

Rachele Fico Named an Impact Honoree

Published on May 31, 2016 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Akron Racers Pitcher Rachele Fico
Akron Racers Pitcher Rachele Fico
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH - The Akron Racers are approaching the final four IMPACT honorees this week noting the incredible moments in the Racers history as unveiled in the past 26 honorees. On this, the final week leading up to Opening Night June 8, pitcher Rachele Fico becomes the first IMPACT honoree to be named joining the 2016 team at the conclusion of the WCWS. Fico is currently the pitching coach for the George Bulldogs.

"This is a very special honoree," explained GM Joey Arrietta. "I cannot begin to explain the privilege it has been to have Rachele in our program in Akron. Her talent is unquestionable, her character is untouchable and her beauty is unexplainable. LSU and Georgia players, coaches and fans understand exactly what I am saying."

Fico was the #1 overall draft pick by Arrietta in the 2013 NPF Senior Draft from Louisiana State University. Rachele is entering her fourth season with the Racers. The right-hander rose to prominence in her second season with the club, when Fico was named an All-NPF selection. That season Fico led Akron with 11 wins, 105.1 innings pitched, 18 starts, 55 strikeouts and a 3.59 ERA. Her 105.1 innings pitched led the NPF.

Where Fico really shined was at home. Inside Firestone Stadium in 2014, Fico made 12 appearances, including nine starts. Of her nine starts, five were complete games, including two shutouts. Fico threw 59.2 innings at home, allowing just 56 hits, 21 walks and 16 earned runs, while striking out 37 hitters. Fico was undefeated, going 10-0 at home, and her ERA dropped to 1.88 at home.

In 2015, Fico pitched three complete games, throwing 40.2 innings, striking out 13 hitters and accumulating a 4.99 ERA in 11 appearances. In her rookie season in 2013, Fico led the Racers with 74.2 innings pitched, 23 appearances and six wins. She also recorded 37 strikeouts, five complete games and had a 5.06 ERA.

Over the past three years, Fico and USSSA Pride pitcher Cat Osterman, made 57 appearances (the most in the NPF) in the circle, clearly the workhorses of their respective teams.

Fico is quickly climbing the ranks among past Racer pitching greats. She is currently sixth with 220.2 innings pitched and 35 starts, just 44 innings and six starts behind fellow IMPACT honoree Amy Kyler for fifth place, in those respective categories. Fico is currently tied for 10th for strikeouts by a Racer with Kristina Thorson at 105. With just 19 strikeouts Fico will vault to seventh place on the all-time list ahead of fellow IMPACT honoree Sarah Dawson. Fico has recorded 20 wins, to place her sixth in franchise history, three more wins would move her ahead of Kyler and 10 more wins would pass Jamee Juarez for fourth all-time. And, Fico is currently eighth with 14 complete games, just two behind former IMPACT honoree, Angela Tincher.

Fico joins the Class of 30 IMPACT honorees celebrating the Racers 15th Season of Play. Each player will be honored as a part of the weekend celebration, July 15-17, when the Dallas Charge visit Firestone Stadium. Each IMPACT honoree will receive a commemorative jersey with their name and number worn during their days with the Racers. The Racers look forward to the return of many of the 152 players to date that once called Akron their summer home.

2016 Akron Racers IMPACT Honorees (to date)

1. Carla Brookbank-Schaal 9. Radara McHugh 17. Angela Tincher 25. Nerissa Myers

2. Crystl Bustos 10. Iyhia McMichael 18. Norelle Dickson 26. Charlotte Morgan

3. Amy Kyler 11. Nicole Trimboli 19. Jackie Pasquerella 27. Rachele Fico

4. Sarah Dawson 12. Brandee McArthur 20. Lisa Modglin

5. Nicole Odom 13. Jenny Topping 21. Lisa Norris

6. Tobin Echo-Hawk 14. Oli Keohohou 22. Sam Marder

7. Kellyn Tate 15. Kristen Butler 23. Jill Barrett

8. Kristin Johnson 16. Veronica Wootson 24. Ayumi Karino

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Akron Racers Pitcher Rachele Fico
Akron Racers Pitcher Rachele Fico
   



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