Toocheck and Hamilton to Make Debut with Racers
6/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Less than three weeks after the conclusion of their Kent State careers, Jessica Toocheck (Medina, Ohio/Medina) and Kim Hamilton (Cave Junction, Ore./Illinois) will make their professional debut this weekend with the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch league. The Chicago Bandits will host the Racers for four games June 6-9 as Kent State's duo hopes to make contributions to their new team.
The Racers hinted at an interest in Hamilton prior to her junior year, but playing professionally did not become a reality for her until this past January, when she began an internship with the club.
"I had to get out there first and perform," Hamilton said of her junior season. "And now I'm fortunate enough to be a part of it."
As the two-time All-MAC First Team selection interned with the Racers, she also learned of the team's interest in Toocheck, who had been racking up a number of awards herself. Hamilton was excited ot hear the news about her classmate, but wanted to keep it a surprise for Toocheck.
When the Golden Flashes traveled to nearby Firestone Stadium for the 2008 MAC Tournament (May 7-10), Racers' General Manager Joey Arrietta congratulated Toocheck on her season and told her she wanted to talk soon. One week later, on Kent State's way home from the NCAA Tournament in Michigan, Toocheck called Arrietta and found out her wish was about to be granted.
"It's been a dream and a goal of mine," Toocheck said. "As an athlete, you always want to see what you can do at the next level. I didn't know how realistic it was, but I guess dreams do come true."
Both four-year starters at Kent State, Hamilton and Toocheck spent most of their time at center field and shortstop respectively, but Hamilton has been practicing in right field, while Toocheck has moved to second base in the opening weeks of practice.
"She and I can both play several positions," Hamilton said. "She's a great player and it also provides comfort to still have her as a teammate."
Toocheck echoed the comfort of having Hamilton around.
"It's awesome to have her as a teammate," Toocheck said. "She has so many different attributes that can help a team."
Both players noted several differences in the preparation and practices at the professional level, which often last three-and-a-half hours.
"It's a different kind of intensity," said Toocheck, who believed adjusting to the speed and movement of the pitches will be a major difference.
"We are constantly doing things," Hamilton said of the practices. "They're very efficient and we get great insight from four different coaches."
The pair will become the third and fourth KSU alums to play professionally. Pitcher Carla Brookbank, who owns the most victories in school history (70), was the first to do so in 1995. Danielle Fincham played for the Racers in 2003.
Following four games in Chicago, Toocheck and Hamilton will make their home debut with the Racers Wednesday, June 11 against the Washington Glory.
