Thunder Adds Player Through Draft
Published on February 18, 2008 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
ROCKFORD - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and its six-affiliate teams, including the Rockford Thunder, held its annual Senior Draft on Monday via conference call to select 24 of the best college players in the four-round draft.
The Thunder held five overall selections in the draft, including the No. 5 overall pick. Rockford also held picks in the second round (No. 12), third round (No. 13) and fifth round (No. 19 and No. 20); giving them the second most picks behind the Akron Racers.
With the No. 5 pick, the Thunder selected Georgia Tech catcher Savannah Brown. Brown, who is originally from San Diego, Calif., set the ACC single-season record for RBIs in a season in 2007 with 76, which was also good enough for second in the nation. She also is the school's all-time record holder in assists and putouts.
"When we learned Mac (Mackenzie Vandergeest) was most likely going to miss the 2008 season due to her firefighting commitment, we knew we had to add a solid catcher to the team," said Thunder GM Aaron M. Moore. "We feel we've done just that in drafting Savannah. She's a very strong two-way catcher and we are going to ask a lot of her from the start."
With the No. 12 pick, the Thunder selected Oklahoma University pitcher Lauren Eckermann. Eckermann was the co-Big 12 Pitcher of the Year after finishing her junior season with a 37-5 record to help the Sooners to the Big 12 title.
Rockford selected position players with its final three selections. At No. 13 the Thunder added Tennessee first baseman Tonya Callahan. Callahan was a NFCA second team All-American in 2007 after hitting .385 and driving in 60 runs. She also carried a perfect fielding percentage throughout the regular season.
The No. 19 pick for the Thunder was DePaul University utility player Sandy Vojik. Vojik, who is from Riverside, Ill., played in all 60 games for the Blue Demons, including 28 games played in right field. She was a major force in the BIG EAST, as she finished in the top five in several categories, including home runs, runs scored and slugging percentage.
With the team's final selection in the 2008 draft, Rockford selected Stevens Point, Wis. native Beth Boden. Boden, who plays her college ball at Tennessee Tech University, was named the 2007 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year after blasting an NCAA high 25 home runs. She finished the season in the Top 15 in three different NCAA Division I categories, including, slugging percentage, runs per game and home runs per game.
"As a team we're very satisfied with our 2008 draft selections," said Moore. "We needed to get better offensively from a season ago and I think we've done that with Savannah, Tonya, Sandy and Beth. We're also very thrilled with being able to land a pitcher of Lauren's ability."
NPF Commissioner Cheri Kempf spoke of the senior draft, as not only a way to spotlight the top college talent from across the county, but as a great opportunity for those players to mature in the most competitive league possible.
"Once again, the NPF draft showcases the top talent in college softball," stated Kempf. "It will be exciting to see these athletes mature as professional players, within the most competitive environment in the sport- the National Pro Fastpitch League."
Due to NCAA regulations, an active college senior-athlete is not eligible to sign with her respective franchise until their 2008 season is completed.
For more information on the Thunder or to purchase season tickets for 2008, contact Aaron M. Moore at (815) 965-7000 or amoore@thunderprofastpitch.com. For additional information on the team, visit them on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from February 18, 2008
- Thunder Adds Player Through Draft - Rockford Thunder
- NPF Makes 2008 Draft Selections - NPF
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
