Over the weekend, JWOS exclusively reported that Duke pitcher Shelby Walters had entered the transfer portal.
Walters on Wednesday addressed her entrance into the portal for the first time. In a statement posted to social media, Walters said that entering the portal was “based solely on my desire to pursue a Master’s degree next year. Duke does not provide my intended Master’s program.”
“I told Coach Young from the beginning that I would be here for 4 years, and that is exactly what I intend to do,” Walters’ post continued. “Duke University holds a special place in my heart as it has shaped me into the person and player I am today. I intend to enjoy every second leading up to my last pitch with the Blue Devils.”
The 2021 season saw a breakout campaign from Walters, including a career-best 1.28 ERA in 147.2 innings of work in the circle. She assembled a 19-3 overall record on the year, helping lead the Blue Devils to the ACC tournament title and a top 16 national seed in the NCAA tournament.
In her three seasons at Duke, including the abbreviated 2020 campaign, Walters owns a 2.28 career ERA and 204 career strikeouts. Opponents hit .228 against her during her tenure as a Blue Devil, including to the tune of a paltry .197 batting average during the ’21 season.
