Dallas, TX – The Dallas Charge are pleased to announce the signing of the team’s first head coach, Olympic gold medalist and current University of Texas assistant coach Jennifer McFalls. A native of Grand Prairie, Texas, McFalls went on to a Hall of Fame career at Texas A&M, an Olympic gold medal in the 2000 Games, and coaching stints in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area before spending the last five years with the Longhorns. McFalls brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the professional level and Dallas Charge organization.
“The addition of coach McFalls cannot be understated. Her level of experience is difficult to come by. She is a quality person who understands our objectives and will amplify them on the field, in the dugout, and in the community. We are so pleased and proud to have her helping lead the organization,” said Charge General Manager and NFCA Board of Directors Travel Ball representative Kevin Shelton.
McFalls, who is a member of the NFCA, is currently in her fifth season with the University of Texas. Under her guidance, the Longhorns had three players selected to the All-Big 12 Defensive Team in 2014. She helped lead Texas to the 2013 Women’s College World Series (WCWS), their first trip back to the WCWS since 2006. Further, she has helped the Longhorns to three consecutive NCAA Regional appearances from 2011-2013.
“I am thankful to have the support from the University of Texas and Coach Connie Clark to coach in the NPF this summer. Everyone is excited about Texas getting a professional team and continuing the growth of softball. Coach Clark and Corrie Hill have really helped me develop as a coach so I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Dallas Charge,” said McFalls.
The Charge’s first head coach has strong roots in the Dallas area. McFalls grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas, a suburb southwest of Dallas, where the city has named a softball complex Jennifer McFalls Park in her honor. The idea of returning to Dallas to help grow the sport was very appealing.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to coach the first NPF team in Dallas. I had tremendous support growing up here playing the game, and now I am excited to continue helping the sport develop at the professional level. It’s been amazing to see the growth of fastpitch softball in Texas. I am excited for the fans to see the level of talent that these ladies will bring,” said McFalls.
Following a career at South Grand Prairie High School, McFalls was an NFCA All-American shortstop and led the Aggies in batting average, hits, total bases and slugging percentage in all four seasons of her career. McFalls was named A&M’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1994 and elected in the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 2001. She graduated from A&M with a degree in kinesiology.
After college, McFalls was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1994-2000. She scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning in the US’s 2-1 victory over Japan in the gold medal game in 2000. She also spent 2001 playing in the Women’s Professional Softball League (WPSL) exhibition tour.
As a coach, McFalls began her career as an assistant at her alma mater, Texas A&M, from 1995-1997 and at the University of Oklahoma in 1998. She then spent seven years in the Dallas area as an Assistant Athletic Director and Head Softball coach at the Hockaday School from 2003-2005 and Midlothian High School from 2006-2010.
McFalls said she is also looking forward to working with Charge General Manager Kevin Shelton. “I am really looking forward to working with Kevin Shelton. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and his knowledge of the game. He has spent many years building the grassroots of our sport so I know he will make this a positive experience for the both the fans and the players.”
The Dallas Charge inaugural season kicks off at home on June 3, 2015 against the Pennsylvania Rebellion. For more information about the Dallas Charge, visit the team website www.dallascharge.com or call the front office at 724-CHARGE1 (724-242-7431).You can also follow the Charge on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
— Courtesy of the NPF