Former MU softball All-American Chelsea Thomas to play two games in Columbia

Former Missouri ace Chelsea Thomas will return to Columbia for a two-game softball series between the USSSA Florida Pride and Dallas Charge of the National Pro Fastpitch League on June 15-16 at University Field.

Thomas, who currently pitches for the Pride, was the Tigers’ first three-time All-American. She went 111-31, setting the MU record for wins, with a 1.23 ERA and a career-record 1,174 strikeouts from 2009-13.

“I’m excited to return to University Field with the USSSA Pride this summer,” Thomas said. “I have so many amazing memories in that circle and I can’t wait to play on my ‘home’ field again. The outpouring of support I still have from my Mizzou family is incredible and I can’t wait to see them in the stands cheering on the USSSA Pride.”

Thomas — a native of Pleasantville, Iowa, who also serves as an assistant coach at Saint Louis — was the Big 12 pitcher of the year in 2011 and 2012 and earned SEC pitcher of the year honors in 2013.

She threw 11 no-hitters, including three perfect games with the Tigers and is in her third season with the National Pro Fastpitch League.

Both games, which are part of the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch League Midwest Tour, will start at 7:05 p.m.

Gates open at 5:45 p.m. and general admission tickets are $10. Tickets for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 years or older are $5.

This story was originally published June 3, 2015 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Former MU softball All-American Chelsea Thomas to play two games in Columbia."