KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Former Cal State Fullerton softball standout Missy Taukeiaho signed a contract to play professional softball with the USSSA Florida Pride of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF).
"I am extremely grateful to the Pride for giving me this opportunity," Taukeiaho said. "I feel blessed that I am able to extend my playing career and compete at the professional level. I'm very excited to be playing with the USSSA Pride and can't wait for the season to start."
The two-time All-American signed with the Pride as an undrafted free agent after completing an extraordinary senior season in which she helped lead the Titans to their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2009.
Taukeiaho wrapped up her collegiate career with a selection to the All-Big West First Team and was named Big West Player of the Year for the second time in her career.
Additionally, she was named to the All-West Region Third Team after finishing her senior year with a .360 batting average to go along with a team-leading .674 slugging percentage and a .498 on-base percentage.
The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native tallied 52 runs, 41 RBIs, 22 doubles, 10 home runs and 43 walks on the year. She led the team in runs, doubles, home runs, walks and slugging percentage.
Taukeiaho played three years with Cal State Fullerton after transferring from Washington. During her time as a Titan, she etched her name into the career record book in almost every offensive category as she ranks second all-time in on-base percentage (.512), slugging percentage (.752), home runs (41) and walks (110).
She is third in the annals in batting average (.393), runs scored (146) and doubles (46) and comes in fourth at Cal State Fullerton in RBIs (133) and total bases (358).
"I'm so very proud of Missy and all that she has achieved," Cal State Fullerton head coach Kelly Ford said. "In my first meeting with her, she shared that she wanted to play professionally after her collegiate career. It's great to see her realize her dream. I can't wait to watch her play for the Pride."
Taukeiaho is the 16th former Titan to sign a professional contract to play softball.
The Pride's 2016 season starts on Friday, June 10 against the Scrap Yard Dawgs in Conroe, Texas.