When the American Softball Association (ASBA) opened its doors for business on June 6, 2018, with its inaugural draft, it was set to make history. And Kara Shutt '18 was set to make history as well.
Shutt was drafted in the 12th round (pick 48 overall) by moh-BEEL! USA. The outfielder being drafted marks a historic moment in Elon history. Shutt is Elon's first female student-athlete to be drafted to an American professional league.
The Greensboro, North Carolina, native, who graduated this past May, had quite the college career. She was named to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie Team in 2015 as a first year. She was also named to the All-CAA First Team from sophomore to senior year. Additionally, Shutt was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American Third Team in her final year wearing the maroon and gold. Shutt is just the second softball player in Phoenix history to be given All-American honors. She is also the all-time leader in doubles at Elon.
In a press release, Shutt said that “it has always been a dream of mine to play professionally and I cannot wait to see what this summer has in store!,” before thanking her family, teammates, and coaches for the support.
Phoenix head coach Kathy Bocock said in a press release that Shutt's drafting “shows how far our program has come over the years,” adding that she is “really excited for Kara getting this deserving opportunity as she has worked hard over her four-year career here at Elon.”
Shutt's new team will compete with the three other teams in the ASBA league. Each team will play nearly every day in the regular season from June 15 through July 25 at Satsuma High School in Satsuma, Alabama. They will then begin the playoffs on July 27.