Bledsoe signs professional contract to play in Italy - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

From Texas Tech Athletics:

LUBBOCK, Texas – Former Texas Tech softball standout Emily Bledsoe recently signed a professional contract to continue her career in Italy where she will be a member of the Des Caserta organization in the Italian Softball League.

Bledsoe will depart the United States in a few weeks to join the team just in time for the 2013 season that begins in late March and concludes in September.

"I am really blessed to be getting such an incredible experience," Bledsoe said. "I can't really believe this is happening. It still feels so surreal, like I'm in a dream. The thought of being to go to such a historic country while getting to do something that I love is amazing."

Bledsoe wrapped her illustrious career as a Red Raider in 2012 as she helped lead Texas Tech to an NCAA Regional selection for the third-straight season. During that time, Bledsoe was a three-time All-Big 12 second team selection and was twice named to the NFCA All-Central Region second team as well.

A career .317 hitter, Bledsoe ranks among the all-time greats in Texas Tech history in nearly every single-season and career offensive category in the school record book. She snapped the previous career marks for runs scored, RBI and doubles and ranks among the top 10 in Big 12 Conference history in doubles as well.

"We couldn't be prouder of Emily and we know she will have a great professional season in Italy," Tech head coach Shanon Hays said. "Emily has worked hard and been a great example of what we want our program to be about. We wish her nothing but success."

Bledsoe, who earned her degree in advertising this past winter, will be based in Caserta, Italy, which is roughly 20 miles north of Naples and a two-hour drive south of Rome.