ICC Pitcher commits D-1

Division 1 Texas Southern University signs ICC Softball Sophomore Pitcher to National Letter of Intent

The Independence Lady pirates celebrated the signing of Alaina Stubblefield, pitcher, to Texas Southern University. Stubblefield, from Euless, Texas will join the Lady Tigers in the fall of 2013.

Alaina was the first Pitcher that Head Coach Barbara Burnett recruited when she took over the program in November of 2010 and the lady Pirates first Division 1 signing. She played an integral role in the success of last years team with her pitching and helped the Lady Pirates host for the first time a home playoff series and move on to the NJCAA Regional tournament.

"Alaina, in the circle, was a huge part of the success the team experienced last spring and we look forward to her taking the reigns again this year for us." Coach Burnett said.

"Alaina, who received All Region recognition last spring, will be coming into the Division 1 SWAC Conference and we will be looking for her to do big things there as well and look forward to the continued relationship with TSU," said Burnett.

Alaina set and broke many school records for Independence and is expected to do the same this year as she has worked very hard and had a successful fall battling many 4 year teams including 3 D1 schools. The Lady Tigers, coached by Worley Barker, played in the SWAC tournament and fell just short of the championship game and returns a great squad that Stubblefield will join. Barker commented, "We are excited about Alaina joining our program. She will add strength to our pitching rotation and we are expecting immediate results from her, along with the leadership she will bring with her.

"Going from not winning a game my senior year in high school to making a complete turnaround at ICC and making the regional tournament has made me realize the potential that I have to play at the D1 level. So when I got the chance I took the offer in a heartbeat. I am so grateful for this opportunity to play at Texas Southern University and continue my college softball career," stated Stubblefield.

The Lady Pirates will start their spring schedule on February 1st in Galveston, Texas.