Wilkerson Nabs Spot With USA Softball Squads
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Former Mississippi State softball standout Kellie Wilkerson, who recently became the first female four-time all-American in school history, was Tuesday rewarded with special status, as the Jacksonville, Fla., native was one of 17 players named to the USA Elite team. Wilkerson was joined on the team by three other former SEC players in LSU standouts Britni Sneed and Trena Peel, as well as former Alabama all-American Kelly Kretschman. The Elite Team was chosen from participants at the Women's World Championship Tryout Camp, May 30-June 2, in Chula Vista, CA. The Elite Team will help prepare the World Championship team for the upcoming international events by competing in scrimmages and exhibition games prior to these events. Both teams will compete at the Canada Cup in Surrey, B.C., Canada, July 12-21. Wilkerson finished her career at Mississippi State owning or sharing 26 single season or career records, including career batting average (.429), home runs (44) and RBIs (175). She currently ranks fourth on the NCAA's career walks list as well, drawing 177 free passes in her career with the Maroon and White. As a pitcher for the Bulldogs, Wilkerson finished her career with a 22-11 record and a 1.62 ERA and 32 saves, striking out 175 batters in 208 innings of work. She owns both the NCAA career and single season (14 in 2001) saves records. USA Softball Women's National Teams have been among the most dominating of any sports team in history. The USA 's ability to bring home the title in World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympics is unchallenged, with a total of 13 gold medals. The USA Softball Women's National Team won the first Olympic gold medal in the sport's history during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA , and defended its gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney . The USA Softball Women's National Team, which has won the past four World Championships, the past four Pan Am Games and the past two Olympic gold medals, is the undisputed No. 1 team in the world. The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. As the National Governing Body, the ASA is responsible for identifying, selecting and training male and female athletes to compete in World, Pan American and Olympic competitions.