HARD, Austria --- CeCe Luster, a Biola softball alumni, has been chosen to play professionally for the Dornbirn Sharx in Hard, Austria.
 
After being selected for All-GSAC team in 2011, 2012 and 2014 and winning NAIA and NFCA All-American second team honors in 2011, Luster is excited for the opportunity to play for Austria's No. 1 ranked team.
 
The Sharx were the Austrian Softball League Champions from 2002-2009 and 2011-2014, winning the European Cup in 2009 and claiming Europe's No. 1 slot for that year.
 
Luster, who holds seven top-three single-season records and 10 top-three career records at Biola, hopes to fit right in with the team.
 
Lorie Coleman, head coach for the Eagles, says Luster has been headed in the direction of playing professionally since she was a child. Coleman believes Luster is a well-rounded player who has the potential to thrive overseas.
 
"[Luster's] drive, her work ethic, her determination – the fact that she is a defensive player and offensive player – I think are going to play a big role in her success overseas," said Coleman.
 
The possibility of a professional career came about as a result of Luster's connections on social media. One of her former coaches posted about an opportunity to play in Austria and those interested should contact her. As a result Luster ended up emailing the Sharx coach, Marion Mittleberger.
 
"We had our alumni game Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 I woke up to an email from Coach Marion, stating that she felt I would be a great fit for the Sharx and the 2015 season," said Luster. "I cried, but they were good tears."
 
After graduating in May 2014, Luster was heartbroken about her softball career coming to an end. She is excited to get out of her comfort zone and experience playing in another country, in addition to meeting her teammates and developing new friendships.
 
"I am looking forward to playing softball again. I am looking forward to be part of a team atmosphere, work cohesively with my teammates and to win some ball games," Luster said. "I am looking forward to taking this opportunity God presented me and making the most of it by continuing my career and playing for His glory."
 
While she is thrilled about the upcoming season, Luster understands there will be challenges with playing outside of the United States. She expects the transition to European culture and its softball atmosphere will not be easy, especially because she will be thousands of miles away from her family.
 
"With those challenges I am keeping an open mind and plan to allow myself to grow as an individual and player through this experience," said Luster. "I hope that I can still feed myself spiritually just as if I were home."
 
On June 3, Luster will leave for Austria for three months, coming home Sept. 8. She will play in her first game on June 7. Luster will be pitching and playing first base for the Sharx.
 
Follow CeCe on her journey by visiting the Dornbirn Sharx website at http://www.sharx.ws/.