Feb. 20, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Maryland shortstop Amber Jackson was selected in the fourth annual National Pro Fastpitch draft by the Washington Glory, an expansion franchise who picked Jackson up in the second round.
"It is surreal to be offered the oppurtunity to play at the professional level," Jackson said. "As a kid growing up, I always said I would play professional softball one day ... and now, with this oppurtunity, all I can say is, I am glad I decided to come back and play another year."
Glory owner Paul Wilson said the team had targeted Jackson, and was excited to have the chance to select her.
"We knew early on in our preparation for this year's draft that the shortstop position was a high priority for us," he said. "We did not have to look far for who we thought was the best over all shortstop in the draft in Amber."
With her performance in last weekend's FAU Dunkin' Donuts Classic, Jackson justified the Glory's faith in her. She smashed four home runs, including grand slams against East Carolina and St. John's, and finished with 13 RBIs on the weekend.
Maryland coach Laura Watten, was ecstatic for Jackson, who played for Watten at Bethune-Cookman for three seasons, and followed her to Maryland along with her sister, Sarde Stewart.
"Absolutely, this is what she's dreamed of, and I'm proud of her," Watten said. "My main goal is to help them achieve their goals, and she's worked really hard. She's earned it."
Jackson is the first player Watten has seen drafted during her coaching career.
A three-time All-American with Bethune-Cookman, Jackson had a career batting average of .465, and recorded 175 RBIs, 34 home runs and 74 stolen bases during her career with the Wildcats. In 2003, she led the nation with a .493 average.
Her impressive all around game is what made her an attractive prospect for the Glory.
"She's coming from a very strong and well run Laura Watten coached program and is an incredibly talented player who is gifted with great finesse, power and speed," said Wilson. "To top all if this off Amber is a fantastic person too."
Jackson and the Terps head to Palm Springs, Calif. February 23-25 for the Palm Springs Classic, the nation's premier collegiate softball tournament.
