Butler catcher Kate James is one of 16 student-athletes participating on the NJCAA softball national team, which will be competing in the 20th Canadian Open Fastpitch International Competition from July 15-21 in Surrey, British Columbia.

James, a two-time first-team All-KJCCC selection and a 2013 NJCAA All-American, finished her Butler career as the school leader in home runs with 38. This past season, James helped the Grizzlies (36-10) qualify for their fourth straight trip to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, along with winning conference, Region VI and District E titles. James finished the 2014 season tied for the team lead in home runs (14) and finished second on the team in batting average (.394), runs batted in (53), on-base percentage (.494) and slugging percentage (.795).

Players selected to the national team are all graduating sophomores that maintained at least a 2.5 grade-point average. Wallace State (Ala.) head coach Jayne Clem will lead the team as they head north of the border. For more information, please visit www.canadianopenfastpitch.com.