Softball: Elkins Becomes Cajuns First No. 1 Pick in NPF Draft

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball senior catcher and two-time All-American Lexie Elkins was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Pennsylvania Rebellion in the 2016 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) College Senior Draft presented by Bownet Sports at the CMA Theater of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
 
Elkins becomes the first No. 1 overall pick – and third draftee – in Ragin’ Cajuns history.
 
"Incredible, awesome and surreal were the emotions upon hearing Lexie’s name as the No. 1 pick, and to realize that what ‘we have already known’ – that Lexie is the best of the best – is now known by all," Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball head coach Michael Lotief said. "This is an amazing moment in our program’s and University’s history to have the best in their area recognized nationally.
 
"We are very proud, appreciate and acknowledge that our community ("Us") is the reason she is No. 1, because of their love and support and nurturing."
 
Elkins joins Louisiana’s all-time RBI leader Christi Orgeron (5th round, 20th overall in 2012 by USSSA Florida Pride) and Brianna Cherry (3rd round, 12th overall in 2013 by Akron Racers) as Ragin’ Cajuns selected in the draft.
 
Per NCAA rules, active senior student-athletes cannot sign a professional contract until their college season is complete. The NPF schedule runs from June through August.
 
The Rebellion, founded in 2014, is based in Washington, Pa., and led by second-year head coach Craig Montvidas. The team will play a 50 game schedule, with the 25 home games split between CONSOL Energy Park and sports complexes in York, Lancaster and Allentown, Pa., as well as in Salisbury, Md. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
 
A Top 25 finalist for the 2016 USA Softball Player of the Year Award, Elkins has developed into one of the nation’s most potent power hitters, producing 73 home runs in two-plus seasons – after hitting none as a freshman at Texas Tech (2013).
 
This season she led the NCAA in batting average (.538), slugging percentage (1.263), on base percentage (.648) and home runs (17) through the end of March. She topped the Ragin’ Cajuns squad with 13 multiple-hit and 12 multiple-RBI games.
 
The reigning NFCA/Diamond Sports Division I Catcher of the Year moved into sole possession of second place on the Ragin’ Cajuns’ career home run list, picking up the 73rd of her career on March 19 at UT Arlington.
 
The two-time reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Elkins generated a single-season program record 32 home runs during the 2015 campaign, which led all levels of collegiate softball. She also led the nation in RBI per game (1.54), recording 83 RBI to join Orgeron (2011, 2012) as the only players in program history to reach 80 RBI.
 
The Victoria, Texas, product debuted with the Ragin’ Cajuns in 2014 and finished with the second-most home runs in a single season, slugging 24 including six in NCAA Tournament play (two in WCWS).
 
Elkins was a third team NFCA All-American in 2014 and rose to first team status in 2015. She was the female recipient of the 2014-15 James J. Corbett Award, which is presented annually to the amateur athlete in the State of Louisiana.
 
History of NPF College Draft No. 1 Selections
Year, Player, School
2004, Iyhia McMichael, Mississippi State
2005, Amy Harre, Southern Illinois
2006, Cat Osterman, Texas
2007, Lindsay Schutzler, Tennessee
2008, Katie Burkhart, Arizona State
2009, Katie Cochran, Arizona State
2010, Charlotte Morgan, Alabama
2011, Kelsi Dunne, Alabama
2012, Brittany Mack, LSU
2013, Rachel Fico, LSU
2014, Dallas Escobedo, Arizona State
2015, Lauren Chamberlain, Oklahoma
2016, Lexie Elkins, Louisiana
 
Ragin’ Cajuns Softball All-Time NPF College Draft Selections
2012: Christi Orgeron, USSSA Florida Pride (5th round, 20th overall)
2013: Brianna Cherry, Akron Racers (3rd round, 12th overall)
2016: Lexie Elkins, Pennsylvania Rebellion (1st round, 1st overall)
 
About National Pro Fastpitch
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.  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 Pro 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.