Story Courtesy of Lubbock Christian University Sports Information

LUBBOCK, Texas - The only four-year letterwinner in Lubbock Christian (Texas) softball history may be hanging up the cleats in a Lady Chaparrals jersey, but Amanda Parsons is not done swinging the bat in her softball career. Parsons, a Lubbock native who recently completed her senior season, left Monday to compete internationally in exhibition softball play. She is joining several other players with college softball backgrounds to compete for USA Athletes International, as they head to The Netherlands. 

"I am excited,” said Parsons. “I'm not familiar with the other players, but I hope we can put on a pretty good show over there. After playing four years at LCU, this will be my last opportunity to compete in fast pitch before I continue my degree and graduate in May." Amanda plans to pursue a career coaching softball.

USAAI is a non-profit organization that allows amateur athletes to compete in Olympic-style tournament competition. They are expected to compete against club and national level teams.  They are slated to compete against the Belgium or Dutch national team.  Parsons was the first player to sign with the Lady Chaps softball program when they made their debut four seasons ago and was a vital part of their inaugural program, which marched to a 2008 NAIA National Championship.  She appeared in 249 games over four seasons with LCU and hit a career .365 with 30 home runs and 185 RBI.

"This is exciting to see Amanda represent the United States, Lubbock Christian University, our softball team and Lubbock, Texas,” said head coach Daren Hays. “After a tremendous career with our program and growing up playing in Lubbock, this is a great reward to be able to close out a career on an international stage."