DENVER, Colo. (Feb. 22, 2006) ? University of South Florida softball player Tiffany Stewart was drafted by the New England Riptide in the third-round of the National Pro Fastpitch draft as announced by the organization on Feb. 15.
“I am definitely excited about it,” Stewart said. “I think it's a privilege and I know that only a few players across the country get to do this. I just consider myself to be very privileged and very blessed and I am really excited about the opportunity.”
Becoming only the eighth USF softball player in history to be drafted, the senior will provide the Riptide with speed and stellar offensive and defensive play. Based in Lowell, Mass., New England selected Stewart as its third pick in the four-round draft.
In 2005, the Odessa, Fla. native had a breakout year, leading the team in batting average (.399), slugging percentage (.627), on-base percentage (.500) and walks (32), while finishing tied for the lead in home runs (9). The right fielder was named a 2005 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-American for her athletic achievements, as well as earning First Team All-Conference USA honors.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for Tiffany to continue playing softball after college,” coach Ken Eriksen said. “She has been recognized by the pro league as one of the premier players in the country. In all honesty, it's well deserved because she has worked very hard to get there and it's paid off.”
Stewart would be eligible to join the Riptide, runners-up from the 2004 NPF Championship, when she fully completes the 2006 season. With the Riptides kicking off their season on May 31, she may join the team later on in the season depending how the Bulls do this season. For players selected in the Senior Draft, they will be permitted to pursue any available roster spot on their assigned team after completing their college season. Draft rights acquired will expire August 31, 2006.
Following is a list of college players in order of selection:
1st Round:
Connecticut, Cat Osterman, P, Univ. of Texas
Philadelphia, Stephanie VanBrakle, P, Univ. of Alabama
Connecticut, Andrea Duran, 3B, UCLA
New England, Kristin Vesely, OF, Univ. of Oklahoma
Arizona, Alicia Hollowell, P, Univ. of Arizona
Akron, Jennie Ritter, P, Univ. of Mich
Texas, Emily Zaplatosch, C, UCLA
Akron, Caitlin Benyi, 2B, UCLA
Chicago traded with
New England, Kristi Durant, 3B/C, Univ. of Tennessee
2nd Round:
Philadelphia, Sarah Fekete, OF, Univ. of Tennessee
Connecticut, Adrienne Alo, IF/OF, Oregon State
New England trade from 1st round with
Chicago, Stacy May, 3B/SS, Univ. of Iowa
(Chicago also gets New England's 4th round pick next year)
Philadelphia, Harmony Schwethelm, OF/IF, Baylor
Texas, Serena Settlemier, P, Kansas University
Akron, Sara Larquier, 3B, Univ. of Virginia
Chicago, Amanda Williams, OF, Marshall University (West Virginia)
3rd Round:
Philadelphia, Haley Woods, C/1B, Cal Berkeley
Connecticut, Aimee Minor, OF, Univ. of Washington
New England, Tiffany Stewart, OF, Univ. of S. Florida
Arizona, Desiree Serrano, P, Arizona State
Texas, Krystal Lewallen, P, Univ. of Louisiana (Lafayette)
Akron, Lindsay James, OF, Cal Berkeley
Chicago traded with
New England, Lisa Allen, C, Oregon State
4th Round:
Philadelphia, Courtnay Foster, P, Northwestern
Connecticut, Stephanie Hill, IF/OF, LSU
New England trade from 3rd round with
Chicago, Missy Beseres, P, Penn State
Arizona, Lauren Lappin, IF/C, Stanford
Texas, Tina Boutelle, OF, Univ. of Texas
Akron, Ashley Smith, C, Univ. of South Carolina
Chicago, Jessica Williams, SS, Marshall University (West Virginia)
