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Bourgeois Signs on to Play Professional Softball
6/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
June 30, 2011
HOUSTON - University of Houston former pitcher Donna Bourgeois signed to play professionally for the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch league beginning the weekend of July 2-3.
The first Cougar to be named the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year, Bourgeois earned the award this spring following her transfer to Houston for her senior season. The Lafayette, La., native posted a highly successful career for three years at Louisiana-Lafayette before providing immediate impact upon arrival at Houston.
"I'm really excited for her," Houston head coach Kyla Holas said. "She did a lot of amazing things this season and I'm so glad to see how many people are recognizing that. She's in a position right now to go up there, have a great time and provide a great balance to their staff. She really loves this game."
Bourgeois was part of a three-woman staff at Houston that finished the 2011 season leading the NCAA in team ERA (1.35). In 159.0 innings of work in her final season, she posted a 17-6 record with a 1.67 ERA. A disciplined hurler, Bourgeois allowed just 47 walks and surrendered only six homeruns 25 starts.
"I'm definitely excited for this opportunity," Bourgeois said. "I've always wanted to play pro ball. This is my chance to continue playing. It's what I've always worked for."
Contacted by the Bandits' coaching staff, led by head coach Darrick Brown, earlier this week, Bourgeois wasted no time accepting the offer. Ten games into the season, the Bandits lead the league with a 7-3 record before an injury opened up a spot on the pitching staff. When the Bandits called upon Bourgeois, she made the decision to change her summer school plans and live her dream of playing professionally.
She is scheduled to make her debut this weekend against the Tennessee Diamonds at Rosemont Stadium, the home of the Chicago Bandits - and Bourgeois' first trip to Chicago.
"The Bandits have had so many good players in the past and currently," Bourgeois said. "I'm really looking forward to playing with girls that I've played against my whole career. This is on a whole different level."
Bourgeois proved her ability to handle high levels of competition several times throughout her career, but put on a showcase in the final months of the 2011 season. The senior sailed down the stretch with 13 victories in her final 13 decisions, including a stellar three-hit shutout against Oklahoma State in the Cougars' victory against the Cowgirls in the NCAA Stillwater Super Regional.
Prior to joining Houston's pitching staff, Bourgeois developed her craft at ULL that included three years as a member of the Sun Belt All-Conference Team, two years on the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team and last season's Sun Belt Tournament MVP.
Following her sophomore and junior seasons, Bourgeois was named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Region Team and earned a spot on the Baton Rouge All-Regional Team last season. Aside from being a three-time member of the All-Louisiana Team, Bourgeois was the Louisiana Freshman of the Year in 2008.
Bourgeois joins a growing list of Cougar softballers who have gone on to play in the professional ranks. She becomes the fifth former player to join an NPF team (Kim Nesloney, Laurie Wagner, Jessica Valis, Angel Shamblin and Bourgeois) and the seventh from the program (Assistant Coaches Abbie Sims and Kristin Vesely).
"I'm just so glad to see that there are these opportunities out there for them," Holas said. "It's another step in the right direction not only for our program but for our sport."
