The Harlem Diamonds, a newly-formed professional softball team that will begin play in June 2005, has selected Kentucky senior outfielder Jessica Nance as an at-large selection.
The Harlem Diamonds will begin play on June 10, 2005 and will perform nearly 60 games as fundraising events for community youth and social service organizations.
Nance batted .197 with 17 runs scored in 2004. She led the team with 21 stolen bases in 22 attempts and currently ranks third all-time at UK with 51 career steals. The Knoxville, Tenn., native has led the team in steals the past two seasons and is a team captain during her senior season. She has played in all but one game during her UK career, including 57 starts as a junior.
Nance was recently named to the prestigious Frank G. Ham Society of Character and was also the recipient of the Lyman T. Johnson Torchbearer of Excellence and the John Meyer awards for exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities in athletics and academics. Nance has worked at various organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, UK Children?s Hospital and the Hope Center. She?s active in the mentoring program at Johnson Elementary and has been a participant in the reading program at Landsdowne Elementary in Lexington.
Nance and the Wildcats open the 2005 campaign on Friday, Feb. 4 when they face #22 South Florida at Florida International?s Diamond Fun & Sun Classic in Miami, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
To learn more about the Harlem Diamonds, check the web site at www.harlemdiamonds.com. The Harlem Diamonds are owned and operated by Harlem Ambassadors, Inc., which produces over 200 show basketball events annually. To learn more about the Harlem Ambassadors, go to www.harlemambassadors.com
Harlem Diamonds’ 2005 College Draft Order
No. 1 – Kia Fennell – P/DP – Cal State Northridge
No. 2 – Wynter Turner – 3B – Texas
No. 3 – Tatiana George – IF – Florida State
No. 4 – Jessica Young – OF – North Carolina
No. 5 – Saskia Roberson – 1B – DePaul
No. 6 – DeKenya Williams – P/OF – Boston University
At-Large Selections
Jessica Nance ? OF ? Kentucky
Tanelda McDonald ? 3B ? Mississippi State
Janiva Willis ? OF ? Winthrop University
Jonnae McClain ? 1B/C ? Drexel University
Dorothy Donaldson ? OF ? Colgate University
Lesley Mayhorn ? OF/C ? Sacramento State
