Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Softball Catcher Picked in Pro Draft

By Noah Seligman

Mar 2, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger poses for the camera during the game with the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Kohl Center. Iowa defeated Wisconsin 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger poses for the camera during the game with the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Kohl Center. Iowa defeated Wisconsin 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin Badger Senior Chloe Miller was selected in a professional softball draft.

It is not just aspiring country singers that count Nashville, Tennessee as a land of dreams.  On Monday night, the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league held its professional draft there.  According to the UW news release, Wisconsin senior Chloe Miller was selected 11th overall by the Akron Racers.

"The 5-10 catcher is enjoying her finest season to date in 2017, racking up career bests with a .440 batting average, 41 runs, 55 hits, .800 slugging percentage and a .542 on-base percentage. For her career, the two-time NFCA Great Lakes All-Region selection has accumulated 203 hits, including 52 doubles, 175 RBI and 133 runs scored, to go along with a .357 career average."

Miller is leading the Wisconsin offense during the 2017 season.  She ranks 1st in batting average, 1st in hits, 1st in RBIs, 1st in HRs, 1st in slugging percentage, 2nd in walks, and 2nd in runs.  The UW Athletic Department reports Miller is the second Badger softball player drafted.

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The NFP draft was five rounds and 26 total draft picks.

"The five round, 26 pick Draft, positions teams for selection based on the previous regular sea-son finishes, from last to first. Those positions change, however, throughout the year through trades and restricted free agent deals that involve Draft picks. In 2017, at least half the current 26 established positions have been adjusted due to player transactions."

According to its website, the NPF spring training occurs in May and the season runs from June-August.  The league has five different teams each playing a 50-game regular season.  The average salary is $5,000 – $6,000 for the 3-month season.  The league says the teams average around 1,500-2,000 fans per game.

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The NFP says teams acquire players through the draft, free agency, trades, and expansion drafts.  Teams also hold regional tryouts to fill any available roster spots.  A drafted player is not automatically signed to a contract and could be asked to tryout.  The team and player must negotiate a contract.

According to her bio on the UW Softball page, Miller says her greatest fear is “being unsuccessful” and her favorite book is the “Hunger Games.”  So that seems like some decent fuel for a professional career.  May the odds be ever in her favor.