Storako Leads the Way in the 2023 WPF Draft
Oklahoma City (April 18, 2023) - Twenty-four college athletes heard their name called on the big stage by Commissioner Lauren Chamberlain during Monday night’s first-ever, in-person WPF Draft in Oklahoma City. The draft took place at the Yale Theatre, part of Oklahoma City’s downtown historic Capitol Hill, and was streamed on the league’s YouTube Channel.
Photo by Joshua Gateley
Pitcher Alex Storako, a fifth-year senior from the University of Oklahoma (transfer from the University of Michigan), led the way as the number one overall pick in the draft, selected by the Oklahoma City Spark. The Texas Smoke took the 2022 Pac-12 Player of the Year Baylee Klingler (University of Washington) off the board early, followed by a Smash It Sports Vipers selection of pitcher Ashley Rogers (University of Tennessee). The USSSA Pride ended the first round by drafting Megan Faraimo, UCLA’s dominant arm.
Alex Storako, first overall pick in the 2023 WPF Draft.
The second through sixth rounds are as follows:
5. Rachel Becker, Oklahoma State University - Smash It Sports Vipers (trade with OKC)
6. Kathryn Sandercock, Florida State University – Texas Smoke
7. Ally Shipman, University of Alabama – Smash It Sports Vipers
8. Kayla Kowalik, University of Kentucky – USSSA Pride
Round 3
9. Chenise Delce, Universiry of Arkansas – OKC Spark
10. Autumn Pease, University of Minnesota – Texas Smoke
11. Kiley Naomi, Oklahoma State University – Smash It Sports Vipers
12. Brooke Yanez, UCLA – USSSA Pride
Round 4
13. Haley Lee, University of Oklahoma – OKC Spark
14. Charla Echols, University of Florida – Texas Smoke
15. Makena Smith, University of California Berkeley – Smash It Sports Vipers
16. Allee Bunker, University of Oregon – USSSA Pride
Round 5
17. Donnie Gobourne, University of South Carolina – OKC Spark
18. Mack Leonard, Florida State University – Texas Smoke
19. Karly Heath, University of Louisiana – Smash It Sports Vipers
20. Caroline Jacobsen, Clemson University – USSSA Pride
Round 6
21. Yvonne Whaley, University of Pittsburgh – OKC Spark
22. Grace Lyons, University of Oklahoma – Texas Smoke
23. Montana Fouts, University of Alabama – Smash It Sports Vipers
24. Jordyn Rudd, Northwestern University – USSSA Pride
“Twenty-four athletes got to watch a professional team write their name down on a card, and hear their name called out on stage. As a former draftee (NPF 2015), I know that feeling well, and to be a part of another athlete getting to experience that… I can’t put it into words how special that is. Our host Chris Plank and analyst Alex Powers were phenomenal, the Yale Theatre was an excellent host. All around, I am excited for what’s to come as we try and perfect the professional softball draft experience.” Lauren Chamberlain, WPF Commissioner
Note: All drafted athletes are required to exhaust their college eligibility, or finish their final season with their respective colleges, before signing a professional contract to play with one of the league’s four franchises.
About Women’s Professional Fastpitch
Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) is the official professional softball league in the United States, founded by USA Softball, USSSA, and Smash It Sports. WPF showcases the best athletes in softball, provides a world-class experience for fans, and connects young fans to their idols. Catch WPF’s Opening Day with the USSSA Pride, Texas Smoke, Smash It Sports Vipers, and OKC Spark on June 15th. You can keep up with all the action at wprofastpitch.com or on socials @wprofastpitch.