Chelsea Thomas Returns to University Field as an Opponent
Missouri welcomed back a legend to University Field on Wednesday afternoon, when Chelsea Thomas returned as an assistant coach for Saint Louis University.
Wednesday’s game was the first time Thomas and Ashley Flemming, both in their second seasons coaching at SLU, coached against Mizzou.
“It’s no fun to sit in that dugout,” said Thomas. “But its so much fun. A bunch of people came up to me over there in the bullpen, a bunch of fans, and just made me feel welcome.”
Missouri Head Coach Ehren Earleywine enjoyed having Thomas, Missouri’s all time leader in strikeouts, and Fleming as opponents.
“Usually you feel like there is a low level of animosity every time you play somebody, or at least I do,” said coach Earleywine. ” I don’t feel that with them. I care about those girls deeply.”
Thomas who graduated, with a degree in biology, says she enjoys coaching and would like to stay involved with softball.
“I love the game and I love getting to share my passion for pitching with my players,” said Thomas. “It is definitely something I will continue for my career path.”
As a first year pitching coach, Thomas guided Saint Louis University sophomore Brianna Lore through a record breaking season.
Lore won a school record and Atlantic 10 Conference best 25 games. She was named Atlantic 10 Conference co-Pitcher of the Year and finished tied for the league lead in strikeouts.
In addition to coaching, Thomas, the former First Team All-Conference and Pitcher of the Year, is continuing her professional career with the Saint Louis Pride.
Chelsea Thomas Individual Accomplishments
3 Time Conference Pitcher of the Year – 2011 (Big 12) , 2012 (Big 12), 2013 (SEC)
Single Season Missouri Strikeout Leader – 397 (2011)
Tied for First in Single Season Missouri Wins Leader – 32 (2011)
8 Career No Hitters
3 Career Perfect Games
Chelsea Thomas Rank Among University of Missouri Career Accomplishments
1st in Career Strikeouts (1,174)
1st in Career Wins (111)
3rd in Career Appearances (159)
3rd in Complete Games (97)
3rd in Career Innings Pitched (925)
3rd in Career Shutouts (46)
3rd in Career WIn Percentage (.782)
10th in Career Earned Run Average (1.23)
