Rocha Named Head Coach of Dallas Charge for 2016 Season
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 | Softball
McKINNEY, Texas – Florida assistant coach Jennifer Rocha was announced as the new head coach of the National Pro Fastpitch League's Dallas Charge for the 2016 season by General Manager Kevin Shelton on Wednesday.
The NPF League season runs from the beginning of June until mid-August, so this position will allow her to continue serving as Florida's assistant coach.
Rocha, named the 2015 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Assistant Coach of Year, is regarded as one of the top pitching instructors in the country. She has tutored five All-American hurlers in Stephanie Brombacher, Stacey Nelson, Hannah Rogers, Lauren Haeger and Aleshia Ocasio. The Gators have turned in the top team earned run average in the country twice during her tenure.
After coaching both Nelson, Brombacher and Rogers to successful careers in Orange and Blue, Rocha led the Charge's own Haeger to becoming the best pitcher in the country in 2015.
After being a 2012 and 2014 NFCA All-Southeast Region first-team selection and a 2013 NFCA All-America pick, Haeger boasted a modest 41-10 record in the circle, including a 10-9 record against top-25 opponents.
She was just getting warmed up.
During her senior season, not only did Haeger lead the Gators to their second-straight NCAA Championship, but the Peoria, Ariz., product became the first Gator to win the USA National Player of the Year award, the third to be named the WCWS Most Outstanding Player and the second to garner softball's Honda Award. In addition, she was named the SEC Female Athlete of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.
In the circle, Haeger assembled a stellar 32-2 record with a 1.23 ERA after beginning the year with 24 consecutive victories to mark the best start to a campaign in Gator history.
Also in 2015, Rocha coached Ocasio to third-team All-America honors, becoming the second freshman in Gator history to achieve that honor. In addition, Ocasio became the fourth Gator freshman in five years with 100+ strikeouts.
Prior to arriving in Gainesville, Rocha worked with Florida Head Coach Tim Walton at Wichita State. Under Rocha, the Shocker pitching staff set school records and posted an ERA under 2.00 in 2004 and 2005.
Before joining Coach Walton's staff, Rocha spent one year as an assistant at Oregon.
Rocha graduated from Oklahoma, where she played for the Sooners from 1996 through 1998 and served as a Graduate Assistant from 1999 through 2001. She was part of six consecutive NCAA Regional appearances, three Big XII Titles, two WCWS appearances and the 2000 National Championship. She finished her playing career with a 1.46 ERA and 43-17 overall record.
What They Are Saying
Jennifer Rocha:
“I'm extremely excited for this incredible opportunity to join the Dallas Charge organization. The chance to work with all of these talented women, including Gator Great Lauren Haeger, is something that I am really looking forward to. The NPF league is growing every year and I can't wait to help lead the Charge!”
Dallas Charge GM Kevin Shelton:
“We are very pleased that Coach Rocha has agreed to take the helm of our second-year team. Succeeding Jennifer McFalls, who led us in our inaugural campaign, earning the 2015 NPF Coaching Staff of the Year honors, will not be easy, but I'm sure Coach Rocha will exceed expectations. She brings a wealth of experience and a long list of accomplishments that will be a tremendous asset to our club. She knows how to win and how to bring out the best in top level players, like those on the Dallas Charge.”
Lauren Haeger:
“I was so excited when I heard the news! It's going to be great pitching for Coach Rocha again. She's so knowledgeable and I know with her as my pitching coach again, I'm going to be able to keep growing and honing my craft. I'm excited for all of my teammates to meet her and see what a great person, supporter, and coach she truly is. It's going to be fun to see her in a new environment and working with the other pitchers. It's going to be a great summer!”
About the Dallas Charge
The Dallas Charge, headquartered in McKinney, TX, began competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge provide elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment, and professionalism.
About the NPF
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fast pitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women's fast pitch softball since 2002.
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