@MizzouSoftball Alum, Sami Fagan, Named 2016 NPF Rookie of the Year
8/22/2016 9:59:00 AM | Softball
Former Tiger All-American also tabbed to 2016 All-NPF Team (SS)
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Former Mizzou Softball All-American, Sami Fagan, capped off her outstanding season debut in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League with 2016 Rookie of the Year and All-NPF Team (shortstop) honors on Thursday, Aug. 18.
"It was such an honor and so surreal," Fagan said. "Kelly Kretschman, one of the greatest hitters in our game, shook my hand and told me that I was a great hitter. I'll remember that moment forever. It just hits you that all your hard work, hours of extra practice and early workouts all paid off. I'm just really thankful for the people that helped me get here and it's a moment I'll remember forever."
Fagan solidified herself as one of the NPF's top hitters in her rookie season, hitting .392 with 10 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 39 RBI. The incredible first-year campaign also earned her a spot on the 2016 All-NPF Team. Fagan was the league's choice for the top shortstop this year and only one of 13 total All-NPF selections.
The NPF continues to expand its presence in the world of professional softball. Currently, there are six organizations with plans to expand in the near future. With such a small group of teams and players at the moment, Fagan is truly among elite company as one of the top professional softball players in the country.
"It was so cool playing with and against players that I admired and watched when I grew up," Fagan said. "I really enjoyed talking with players about their mind sets and what works for them. I really learned a lot from them this summer."
Fagan's journey to the NPF began on April 14, 2016, when she was selected fourth overall by the Akron Racers in the 2016 draft. She joined fellow Mizzou Softball alums Emily Crane (seventh overall) and Taylor Gadbois (15th overall) as 2016 selections. Former three-time Mizzou Softball All-American, Chelsea Thomas, is also competing in the NPF.
At the night of the NPF draft, Fagan was on the road with the Tigers as they approached their 10th consecutive NCAA Regional appearance. Personally, Fagan was in midst of concluding one of the top careers in Mizzou Softball history. In 2016, the Dunnellon, Fla., native finished with a .434 average, 10 doubles, 11 home runs and 54 RBI.
Fagan's outstanding conclusion to her NCAA career earned her 2016 NFCA Third Team All-American, 2016 NFCA Southeast All-Region Second Team and 2016 Second Team All-SEC accolades.
With her first year of professional softball in the rearview mirror, Fagan points to her three years in Mizzou black and gold as one of the biggest reasons to her NPF success.
"Playing at Mizzou under such a great coaching staff helped me succeed this year in the NPF," Fagan exclaimed. "I was as physically and mentally prepared as I could've been and because of that I had a pretty easy transition into the pro league."
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