Feb. 21, 2008

DENVER, Colo. - Marshall softball All-American catcher, Rachel Folden, was selected as the first pick in the second round at the National Pro Fastpitch Senior Draft by the Chicago Bandits, Tuesday.

Folden is the third Thundering Herd softball player to be drafted by the league, and will be the fourth former Herd student-athlete to participate in the league. She was also the only Conference USA member to be selected.

"It's a great opportunity for Folden to continue her already highly decorated career," Marshall head coach Shonda Stanton said. "She has been presented a great opportunity and we wish her the best of luck and look forward to competing against her in the summer."

The Baldwin Park, Calif., native has enjoyed a stellar campaign at Marshall University, where she single handedly rewrote the record books. She holds the all-time record in RBIs (169), home runs (43) and batting average (.400).

Folden has been named a NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-American three-straight years and has earned a spot on the conference first team in each of her first three seasons at Marshall. She was also named MAC Freshman of the Year in 2005 and Conference USA Player of the Year in 2006.

"Rachel is someone I've been keeping an eye on for three years since she played at Marshall with former Bandits Amanda and Jessica (Williams)," said Bandits owner Bill Conroy.

The Herd had three players playing in the NPF last year, Noelle Adams, Jessica Williams and Amanda Williams. All three played for the Rockford Thunder. Amanda and Jessica Williams were both selected by the Chicago Bandits in the 2006 draft.

The NPF Senior Draft consisted of its six-affiliate teams, who selected 24 of the best college players via conference call in the four-round draft.