University of Houston Athletics
Outon Inks Contract with Texas Charge
1/25/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HOUSTON -- Former University of Houston Softball standout catcher Haley Outon has signed a professional contract with the Texas Charge of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), the organization announced on Tuesday via social media.
"It is great to see Haley continue to have the opportunity to play professionally, especially in the state of Texas," Houston Head Coach Kristin Vesely said. "We will be supporting her and can't wait to see one of the best players to come out of the Houston Softball program representing the Cougars in the NPF in 2017."
Outon previously played in the NPF with the Akron Racers with whom she was under a franchise tag for the 2016 season. In 2015, Outon started 24 games behind the plate, hitting .219 with 16 hits, three doubles, four home runs, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored. In 2014, she helped the Racers to a runner-up finish in the NPF Championship. She was a teammate of current Racer and Houston Volunteer Assistant Coach Cassie Tysarczyk.
"I am so excited to have signed with the Texas Charge for this upcoming season," Outon said. "This opportunity will allow me to be closer to my family and the community where my love and passion for softball began. Softball is a sport that is constantly growing and being a part of that growth is something that keeps me motivated to play.
"The NPF keeps players' dreams alive of playing at the professional level, while inspiring the younger generations that reaching the pros is possible. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Texas Charge, and I'm looking forward to a great summer playing with and competing against the best of the best. Go Charge!"
Outon was a four-year starter for the Cougars from 2011-14. The native of Pflugerville, Texas, was a three-time all-conference and National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region selection, two-time NFCA Third Team All-American and the 2013 Conference USA Player of the Year.
Outon started 236 overall games for Houston including 196 straight, all at catcher. Outon is the program's all-time career leader in home runs (59), RBI (199) and slugging percentage (.669). She also holds the single-season record for home runs (22, 2012).
During her sophomore season, Outon tied the NCAA record for most consecutive games with a home run (6). She also tied another NCAA record in 2013 with two grand slams in a single game (vs. UTEP, 4/13).
A standout in the classroom, Outon earned the program's first ever CoSIDA Academic All-America honors during the 2014 season.
ABOUT TEXAS CHARGE
The Texas Charge are an affiliate professional fastpitch softball team competing in the National Pro Fastpitch league. The team, headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas, began competition in the league in 2015. The Charge provide elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Austin area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment and professionalism. Follow the Texas Charge at www.texascharge.net.
ABOUT NATIONAL PRO FASTPITCH (NPF)
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The 2016 NPF season was televised on CBS Sports Network. Coverage included the NPF College Draft presented by Bownet in April, followed by 23 regular-season games, a Championship Series Preview Special and the 2016 NPF Championship Series. NPF teams are the Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Pennsylvania Rebellion, Scrap Yard Dawgs, Texas Charge and USSSA Pride. NPF players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women's softball.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Softball on Twitter @UHCougarSB and "Like" /HoustonCougarSoftball on Facebook. Houston Softball can also be found on Instagram at UHCougarSB.
SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For only $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
JOIN DIAMOND CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Softball program by joining the Diamond Club. To find out more information about the Diamond Club, visit UHCougars.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GOUH. For more information, CLICK HERE.
