Ball State University Athletics
Jennifer Gilbert Returns To Racers For 2015 Season
January 20, 2015 | Softball
Akron, OH – The Akron Racers, GM, Joey Arrietta, announced today that outfielder Jennifer Gilbert will return for her second season with the Racers.
“Jen split her time last summer with the Canadian National team which is very challenging for any athlete,” remarked Arrietta. “But her full-time commitment to our program elevates her ability to perform at this level. I welcome that opportunity for her and for our team.”
Gilbert joined a strong rookie class of 14 players last season and appeared in 20 games for the Racers. She maintained a .208 batting average and added two homeruns. Gilbert recorded a .923 fielding percentage for the season in limited action in 2014.
“We have an extremely well-guided team and that helped me have an easier transition to play in the NPF,” Gilbert said. “The veteran's leadership and encouragement and the coaching staff's level of commitment made the transition a lot easier for me. And Joey doing what she does, going above and beyond to take such great care of us.”
Looking forward to the 2015 season, Gilbert is ready and excited to bring a championship back to Akron.
“My motto every day is “Never be satisfied.” I always want to get better as I continue from season to season. I am working hard to prepare for this season by getting stronger in the weight room, hitting daily, and working on defense,” Gilbert said.
“We have an incredible family environment in Akron so I am eager to get back to work,” explains Gilbert. “I am very excited about the new addition of the Dallas Charge. I'm hoping by playing in other parts of the country this season we will continue to expand the league.”
A standout player at Ball State University, Gilbert was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year for three consecutive years, one of only 11 players in NCAA Softball history to achieve this honor.
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada, Gilbert has also helped lead the Canadian Senior National Team in 29 games over four international competitions in 2014.
“The ladies I share the field with are the best in the business, and I am so grateful that I get to play the game I love alongside them. Everyone is on the same page as far as where we want to be, and is serious about their craft. We will do whatever it takes to move this team forward and we leave it all on the field,” Gilbert said. “You rarely meet people who share the same vision for life as you do, and when I am on the field with these women, and working with this staff, I know this is where I was meant to be.”
For more information about the Akron Racers visit www.akronracers.org or call 330-376-8188
About the Akron Racers: The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, OH, are the oldest existing team in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. The Racers competed in the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004. Historic Firestone Stadium is home to the Racers and numerous amateur events at all levels of play. The Racers kick-off their 14th season of play in 2015.
About National Pro Fastpitch: National Pro Fastpitch is headquarted in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fast pitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's o Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women's fast pitch softball since 2002. www.profastpitch.com
