Florida International University softball standouts Stephanie Texeira and Julia Gilbert were selected in the inaugural American Softball Association (ASBA) Draft two weeks ago, as the pair seek to continue their stellar playing careers on the field.
Texeira was drafted 32nd overall by Moh-BEEL! USA in the eighth round on Wednesday, while Gilbert was selected 75th overall by El Pro Ballers in the fifth on-call round. As an on-call selection, Gilbert will potentially be called up if draftees from the previous on-call rounds are unable to play.
The ASBA is the newest pro league in women's softball, joining the National Pro Fastpitch league. The 2018 ASBA season will run from the middle of June through the end of July, with all games being played in Mobile, Alabama. The league is comprised of four teams – Moh-BEEL! USA, Outkast, El Pro Ballers and Future 1s – that will compete for a chance to play in the ASBA Championship, July 27-31.
Texeira was a four-time all-conference honoree with the Panthers, while also winning the C-USA Freshman of the Year award in 2014. The Miami native graduated FIU as the program's all-time leader in batting average (.405), slugging percentage (.759), on-base (.543), runs (159), home runs (47), RBI (190), walks (147), total bases (420), defensive putouts (1,191), while second in doubles (45) and fifth in hits (224).
Gilbert's career with FIU spanned two seasons after transferring from Indian River State College, serving as the Panthers' primary catcher. From behind-the-plate, Gilbert caught 19 runners stealing in back-to-back seasons to lead the C-USA in both years.