May 27, 2008
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Former UCF hurler Allison Kime (Brandon, Fla.) inked a free-agent deal to play for the Rockford Thunder of the National Professional Fastpitch league the team announced Monday. Kime becomes only the second player from UCF to participate in the league, joining shortstop Stephanie Best who was selected in the draft in 2005.
"I am extremely excited for Allison to be able to further her career in the professional ranks," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "This is a great opportunity for her and will showcase her talents at a higher level. Rockford definitely made a wise decision in picking her up for their squad."
Kime, a two-time Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Southeast Region First Team selection, wrapped up her senior season less than 10 days ago, adding the exclamation mark to her record-breaking career with a victory over No. 1 Florida in the NCAA Regional final on May 18.
The Brandon, Fla., native concluded the 2008 campaign with a 34-12 record and a 1.17 ERA, while fanning a program-record 359 batters.
Kime holds 11 career-pitching records at UCF, while also securing five season records in 2008 alone, including games started (42), innings pitched (305.1), wins (34), complete games (36) and strikeouts (359).
The Thunder open their 2008 campaign Thursday, May 29 when they welcome in-state rival Chicago to Sportscore at 7:35 EST.
Kime and Best, who currently plays for the Washington Glory, will face each other in a pair of four-game series during the season, the first beginning on June 4 and the second kicking off on July 17.
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