Thunder adds two from open tryout
Published on May 13, 2009 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
May 13, 2009 - ROCKFORD - The Rockford Thunder has signed pitcher Samantha Sheeley and outfielder Shannon Nord from its open tryout and free agent outfielder Jenna Rhodes, team General Manager Aaron M. Moore announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal was not released.
Sheeley, 23, will be a rookie in 2009 after making the team out of its open tryouts last week. She pitched for two seasons at Division II Emporia State University where she was 50-16 and had a career ERA below 1.70. Sheeley was a two-time first team All-MIAA selection and an NFCA All-American after her senior season in 2008. During her senior season, Sheeley led the conference in wins and was named the MIAA Pitcher of the Year.
"It was an overwhelming mixture of emotion to get the call (from Aaron)," said Sheeley. "I am looking forward to being able to compete with the best players in the world. I can't wait to contribute."
"Samantha could be a wild card for us in the circle," said Moore. "She has good stuff and a great presence on the mound. She will be a big-time competitor and should fit in nicely with the other pitchers we have on the staff."
Nord, 27, played collegiately at the University of Louisville where she was a first team Conference USA selection. As a junior, Nord led the team with a .340 batting average, 48 hits and four triples. She also had a perfect fielding percentage for the Cardinals during the '03 season. During her senior season in 2004, Nord saw all of her offensive numbers climb and finished the year with a .372 batting average, trailing only former Thunder player Audrey Rendon-LaFountain.
"I am extremely excited to be joining the Rockford Thunder," stated Nord. "It is an honor to have the opportunity to play the sport I love in such a welcoming community."
"Shannon is definitely a mature player and that is something we were looking for," said Moore. "Defensively I believe she can play all three outfield spots and can be a legitimate presence on the bases and at the plate."
Rhodes, 22, just completed her senior season at Virginia Tech where she was the team's leader in nearly every offensive category. She led the Hokies in batting average at .474, which was good enough for No. 5 in all of Division I. Her team-leading 49 stolen bases was the second best mark in the country and her 91 hits was the highest total in the country.
"I'm really excited to play for the Thunder," said Rhodes. "There are so many great athletes on the team and I'm looking forward to being a part of that. I've also heard great things about the fan base in Rockford, so that"
"The signing of Jenna was something we started looking into immediately after the college draft in February," said Moore. "Because she was still playing, we had to wait until after her season was over to talk to her. She had a great senior season for the Hokies and we're looking for her to be a nice addition of speed to our lineup. She can handle the bat really well, so we're looking forward to seeing her out there."
The signing of the trio of players leaves the current Thunder roster at 14. They join infielders Jamie Davison, Lyndsey Angus, Shanna Diller and Chelsea Spencer; outfielders Amanda Williams and Shanel Scott, catcher Megan Willis and pitchers Cat Osterman, Megan Brown, Cassidy Scoggins and Allison Kime. The Thunder also has four players that were drafter, but are not eligible to sign contracts until after they complete their respective college seasons.
For more information on the Thunder or to purchase tickets for 2009 contact the Thunder at (815) 965-7000 or visit them on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from May 13, 2009
- Thunder adds two from open tryout - Rockford Thunder
- USSSA and NPF form Cooperative Partnership - NPF
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