Playing professional softball is supposed to be a serious enterprise with fun reserved for off-days. It's supposed to be a challenge.

But don't tell that to Missy Beseres, who now pitches for the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF).

"It's pretty crazy. Everyone is so welcoming. It's different being the baby. I have a new family now," Beseres said.

Beseres, who graduated this May, had a dazzling career at Penn State. This past spring, she completed her final season as a Nittany Lion, compiling a 19-9 record while posting a 1.42 ERA. She leaves as the school's all-time leader for wins in a career with 53 and holds the record for the most season strikeouts with 260. This list of accomplishments was no small feat considering the competitiveness of the Big Ten -- in the last two years, two other conference teams have reached the Women's College World Series.

Beseres attributed much of her success to softball coach Robin Petrini and the Penn State mentality her coaches gave her.

"Coach Petrini toughened me up. No fear. Go at every batter," Beseres said. "I learned from the fight that Penn State has."

That approach and attitude helped Beseres persevere through an injury that she sustained early in the season. She was given time off to heal, but with her style of pitching, her coaches figure she won't miss a beat.

"She has that mindset. She tries to outsmart, instead of overpowering hitters. She has many pitches in her arsenal," Bandits' General Manager Bill Conroy said of her style.

And with so many great players in the league, an underhander with a lot of pitches will certainly have an advantage.

"She has a fastball, curveball, and a change-up -- and a lot of confidence," Bandit co-head coach Mickey Dean said.

After all, players like United States Olympians Jennie Finch and Jamie Clark along with USA National Elite Team members Gina Oaks and Mackenzie Vandergeest all play on Beseres' team.

While playing alongside such internationally proven veterans can be intimidating, Beseres remarked that the experience is actually the complete opposite.

"It's awesome. They're all so humble, fun. They're willing to do everything for the team," Beseres said.

And it shows. Even with Beseres sidelined, the Bandits currently pace the league with a record of 20-3.

Before getting injured, Beseres had put up a record of 1-0 with three saves in eight innings of work. When she's ready to take the mound again, she figures to take a prominent role in the bullpen.

"She'll pitch in innings in the middle, end of games, to get her back in rhythm," Dean said.

Despite being injured, Beseres said that playing in the NPF has served as a learning experience. She also said that the most important thing she's learned is not something that can be seen on the stat sheet the next morning. It's the understanding that the season is a long one, and that a pitcher cannot get all worked up over one outing, good or bad.

"You're gonna have good and bad days. There are a lot of days, a lot of good teams," Beseres said.