Sarah Hudek's baseball scholarship was granted by the Bossier Parish Community College baseball team on Wednesday, making her the first female to play at the college, and one of the first females to play at the college-level.
"I'm signing her to help us win ballgames," said head coach Aaron Vorachek,
according to The Shreveport Times. "I saw Sarah pitch as a sophomore and then again last season. She can really pitch. I think other schools were afraid to take a chance on her. But you're taking a chance with every kid you sign."
"This is not a gimmick and I could care less about media attention," he added.
Hudek is a pitcher just like her father, former National League All-Star John Hudek. As a rookie, John made the 1994 NL All-Star team and pitched for five different teams — including the Houston Astros — for a total of six seasons.
Standing at 5 feet-10 inches, she throws an 82 mph fastball with her left hand.
"I grew up around pro baseball and I've had the opportunity to pick the brain, not only of my dad, but of other major leaguers he is friends with. I have a fastball, change-up, curve, and I'm working on a cutter," Hudek told The Times.
"Coach Vorachek is a great guy who sees me as a player who can help his team and not just as a girl. He has accepted me as a player. I'm excited about the opportunity and I'll do whatever I can to help BPCC win games."
Last year at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Hudek was named the USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year.
After the announcement, Hudek took to Twitter to express her excitement and commitment.