Shaw, Taylor Selected in National Pro Fastpitch Draft
3/21/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 21, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- University of Michigan softball seniors Dorian Shaw (Burke, Va./Robinson SS) and Jordan Taylor (Valencia, Calif./Valencia HS) were selected during the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) College Senior Draft last Friday evening (March 18) at the Heritage Key Resort. Shaw was chosen by the Chicago Bandits organization, while Taylor went to the USSA Pride.
Becoming the fifth Wolverine in program history to earn first-round selection, Shaw was the fourth overall pick of the draft and the second infielder chosen. A 2010 NFCA All-American and two-time All-Big Ten selection, Shaw recorded career highs in every offensive category last season, including batting average (.362), runs (41), runs batted in (60) and slugging percentage (.855). She claimed a share of Michigan's single-season home run record with 21, and with 11 homers already in 2011, she sits just five shy of U-M's career record in the category, currently held by Samantha Findlay (62, 2005-08).
The USSA Pride, located in Kissimmee, Fla., used its third-round selection to snatch up Taylor, who was the fourth pitcher off the board. Taylor went 26-4 from the circle last season, posting a 1.44 earned-run average and 316 strikeouts en route to the 2010 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and NFCA All-America second team honors. She is a two-time All-American, adding second-team honors as a freshman, and already ranks among the top five in nearly every career pitching record at Michigan, holding school records in winning percentage (.857), no-hitters (7) and saves (14) while ranking second in strikeouts (1,039) and third in shutouts (37).
Shaw will join former Wolverine standout -- and 2010 NPF Rookie of the Year -- Nikki Nemitz (2007-10) in Chicago, while Taylor will team with Findlay on the Pride roster. Findlay spent her first three professional seasons with the Bandits before signing with USSA during the offseason.
Shaw and Taylor are the 10th and 11th players in Michigan history to be drafted in the professional league; it is the second straight year that U-M boasted a pair of draft picks.
In addition to the duo, former Wolverine catcher Roya St. Clair (2007-10) recently signed a free-agent contact with the Akron Racers organization. St. Clair was a two-time All-Big Ten selection behind the plate, registering a .251 career average with 18 home runs and 111 RBI. She caught seven no-hitters, including three perfect games, during her collegiate career.
• Michigan Softball in the Pros
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
