Austin’s star player, fresh off a championship win, secures her place with the team.
AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 30, 2023) – The Texas Smoke, Austin’s premier professional women’s fastpitch softball team, proudly announces a 2-year contract extension with their star player and league MVP, Janae Jefferson. This move not only recognizes Jefferson’s outstanding contributions on and off the field but also cements her position as a cornerstone of the team’s future.
In just a year after concluding her illustrious career at the University of Texas, where she became the program’s career leader in total hits (362) and maintained a batting average of .424, Jefferson has already made a significant impact in the professional league. Leading the Texas Smoke to a triumphant victory in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch League championship title, Jefferson showcased her prowess by batting over .500 in the championship series, scoring six runs, hitting a home run, and executing a stolen base. Her exceptional performance earned her the league’s season MVP and the MVP of the championship series.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue playing with the Texas Smoke,” said Jefferson. “Austin has become my second home, and I’m excited to get back on the field next season and continue growing our fanbase in this amazing city.”
Brandon Phillips, owner of the Texas Smoke and MLB Hall of Fame candidate, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Janae’s meteoric rise and dedication are a testament to her talent and work ethic. Her recent accolades, including leading us to our first-ever championship and being named the league’s MVP, are just the beginning. We’re ecstatic to have her with us for another two years.”
With the team’s continued commitment to excellence and community engagement, the Texas Smoke is eagerly looking forward to playing in Austin next year, aiming to further solidify their bond with the local fans and community.
About The Texas Smoke
The Texas Smoke is Austin’s second professional sports team in Austin and the fourth franchise in Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF). Coach Tori Tyson coaches the Texas Smoke with Assistant Coach Monique White and pitching coach Cat Tarvin. The Texas Smoke’s roster consists of Janae Jefferson, Alyssa Rivera, AnaMarie Bruni, Alexa DiFeo, Elizabeth Mason, Madysen Grimm, Lindsay Thomas, Samantha Show, Kenna Wilkey, Ciara Bryan, Charla Echols, Morgan Howe, Destini Brown, Jordan Dail, Marta Gasporotto, Shelbi Sunseri, Autumn Pease, Charla Echols, Baylee Klingler, Jordan Johnson and Sahvanna Jaquish. For more information, visit thetexassmoke.com.
About Brandon Phillips and Jade Cargill, owners of The Texas Smoke
Brandon Phillips is a World Series Champion (Boston Red Sox, 2018). He has 17 years of major league experience playing for the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox. Phillips is a 3-time MLB All-Star, 4-time Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger Award winner, 30-30 Club Member, and is currently an MLB Hall of Fame candidate. Professional wrestler and serial entrepreneur Jade Cargill is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she is a former one-time and inaugural AEW TBS Champion. Her reign of 508 days is the longest for any AEW championship.
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