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ROSEMONT, Illinois – May 14, 2012 – The game on June 9 against the USSSA Pride was already going to be a special one, but it just got more exciting as the Bandits have announced that former Bandit and Team USA star Jennie Finch will make her inaugural appearance at The Ballpark at Rosemont.
Finch will join the Bandits for a pregame … Continue Reading
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – University of California, Berkeley was named the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Division I Softball Championship today when the NCAA Division I Softball Committee announced the 64-team field. The Golden Bears, champions of the Pacific-12 Conference, are 50-4 and will play Iona College, an automatic qualifier from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, May 18, in front of a home crowd in Berkeley. … Continue Reading
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville, TN – (May 3, 2012) National Pro Fastpitch has teamed up with MTV and the producers of MADE for an episode that will air on Saturday, May 5.
Akron Racers’ third baseman Kelley Montalvo was selected as the MADE Coach for this episode, and was given an opportunity to coach and mentor a young softball player with the goal of becoming a starter … Continue Reading
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League Commissioner Cheri Kempf announced today the schedule for the upcoming 2012 Season.
Four teams will compete in the 2012 Season; the Akron Racers, the Carolina Diamonds, the Chicago Bandits, and the USSSA Florida Pride. Each team in the league will play a 44-game regular season schedule, with all teams playing 6 home and 6 away series’.
The 2012 season will begin on Thursday, June 7 with the defending 2011 Cowles Cup Championship Series Champions, Chicago Bandits, taking on the defending 2011 Regular Season Ringor Cup … Continue Reading
ROSEMONT, Illinois – Chicago Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore, announced the re-signing of left-handed pitcher, Monica Abbott, for the 2012 season.
“We knew signing Monica again for the 2012 season was a huge priority and we’re happy that we’ve made that happen,” said Moore. “She was the leader of the pitching staff last season and she took … Continue Reading
ROSEMONT, Illinois – Chicago Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore, announced the re-signing of veteran utility player, Vicky Galindo for the 2012 season.
“Vicky is a key member of the Bandits,” stated Moore. “She has the ability to play several positions, both infield and outfield, and she can handle the … Continue Reading
Memphis, TN – National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and its four-affiliate teams held the 2012 NPF College Draft Presented by Miken from the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN. The Draft was streamed live through profastpitch.com.
Each team had at least three selections in the five-round draft. The USSSA Florida Pride held the most picks with seven and also the coveted number one slot. Several Draft trades led to USSSA’s position including … Continue Reading
Brittany Mack, Andrea Harrison, Kristyn Sandburg, Nikia Williams, Valarie Arioto, Michelle Moultrie, and Christi Orgeron were all selected by the USSSA Pride at the 2012 NPF Draft, held in Memphis, Tennessee on March 7, 2012.
Louisina State University Pitcher and overall SEC standout Brittany Mack was selected as the first overall pick by the USSSA Pride in the 2012 NPF Draft. … Continue Reading
ROSEMONT, Illinois – Mar. 8, 2012 – With the second overall pick in the 2012 NPF College Draft, the Chicago Bandits selected University of Washington outfielder Kimi Pohlman.
Pohlman, a senior at Washington, was named to the 2009 Pac-10 All-Freshman Team after winning the National Championship with the Huskies. Most recently, in 2011 she was named co-offensive MVP at Washington after leading … Continue Reading
AKRON, Ohio – With the third overall pick in the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) draft, the Akron Racers chose shortstop Lexy Bennett from the University of Texas.
“Bennett’s versatility in the infield makes her very valuable,” said Akron Racers’ President/GM Joey Arrietta. “From first base to second to shortstop she has performed flawlessly in every position. She is fluid, she’s graceful, she is the real deal! And she brings a big bat.” … Continue Reading
ASTARKVILLE, Miss. – Sophomore pitcher Teylor Schiefelbein of Concordia University (Texas) has been named the Louisville Slugger Division III National Player of the Week for games played Feb. 27-March 4. … Continue Reading
As you may know I am a State Director for USSSA Fastpitch.
Since I am a state director I receive emails from time to time from the USSSA home office.
Today I received one about the new bat rules getting ready to go into effect. I thought I would share it with everyone. … Continue Reading
Kissimmee, FL- USSSA Florida Pride of the National Pro FastPitch (NPF) League announced today the addition of former Olympian, Leah O’Brien-Amico to the Pride coaching staff. Amico, a three time gold medalist (’96, ’00, and ’04) will be an Assistant Coach for the Pride for the 2012 season. … Continue Reading
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It was announced today that the National Fastpitch Coaches Association will relocate its national headquarters to Louisville, Ky., in the coming months. The announcement was made by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer during a press conference in Louisville in which he proclaimed it “National Fastpitch Coaches Association National Headquarters Day” in the city. … Continue Reading
This past weekend in Los Angeles at the International Olympic Committee’s 5th World Conference on Women and Sport, two-time Olympic softball medalist Jennie Finch (Team USA, gold – 2004, silver – 2008) joined former gymnast Nadia Comaneci and figure skater Michelle Kwan in receiving the “Power of I” award. During her remarks, the American pitcher called for the reinstatement of softball to the Olympic programme. Her complete speech follows: … Continue Reading
Nashville, Tenn – National Pro Fastpitch announced final plans today for the 2012 NPF College Draft. The 2012 Draft which is presented by Miken will take place at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis Tennessee on March 7 at 5:00 CST. The Memphis Sports Council is hosting the event in conjunction with the Peabody Hotel. … Continue Reading
CHARLOTTE, NC – January 24, 2012 – The National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League announced today that a new professional women’s fastpitch team, the Carolina Diamonds, has been franchised and will begin play in 2012. The team is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“The League is certainly happy to be making this announcement,” said Cheri Kempf, Commissioner of the National Pro Fastpitch League. “We believe the Carolinas region is a very good area for expansion in the women’s professional fastpitch market for a number of reasons. Primarily, there is an audience there that understands and appreciates the game and has shown their support in the past. We are looking forward to returning the top level of competition the sport has to offer to current and future fastpitch fans in the Carolinas area.” … Continue Reading
STARKVILLE, Miss. – You can celebrate in your own community or join with thousands in Washington, D.C., to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 1. The theme of this year’s event is “Title IX at 40: In it for the Long Run.”
Started in 1987 to honor Olympic volleyball star Flo Hyman, National Girls and Women in Sports Day has grown into a nationwide celebration to honor the participation, success and accomplishments of girls and women athletes. The Washington D.C. celebration is organized by five national organizations for girls and women — Girls’ Incorporated, Girl Scouts of the USA, National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, National Women’s Law Center and the Women’s Sports … Continue Reading
STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Arizona State Sun Devils will began the 2012 exactly where they left off last year, as the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation, according to the USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 Preseason Poll that was released by the Association on Tuesday.
The defending national champion Sun Devils (60-6) claimed all 30 first-place votes in the poll to top the rankings for the sixth straight edition dating back to last season. Florida (56-13) and Alabama (53-11) also remained unchanged in the preseason poll, finishing the rankings in second and third, respectively. Rounding out the top five was California (45-13) who moved up one spot from the final poll last year to fourth, while Oklahoma (43-19) shot up two spots to fifth. … Continue Reading
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Twelve athletes have been named to the 2012 USA Softball Women’s National Team, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced today. An additional five athletes will be named to the squad, which will compete at the International Softball Federation (ISF) Women’s World Championship, following a 2012 USA Softball Women’s National Team and USA Softball Women’s Elite National Team Selection Camp in June. … Continue Reading
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Fourteen coaches were honored at the 2011 Convention In Las Vegas for having achieved the prestigious rank of Four-Star Master Coach, an honor bestowed to those that have completed all eight National Fastpitch Coaches Colleges courses.
These fourteen join 82 other coaches who have also reached the milestone since the program began in 2002. The first class of Four-Star Master Coaches was recognized at the 2005 Convention and included 22 members. … Continue Reading
Nashville, TN – National Pro Fastpitch announced today the establishment of the NPF Official Developmental Partnership Program. The Program is designed to join the professional ranks of owners, players, and staff with the amateur ranks of youth participants, their coaches and parents.
The NPF Official Developmental Partnership Program is broken into three distinct groups: Park Partner, Performance Partner, and Playing Partner. ODP’s are linked with NPF through a benefits and privileges package that includes preferential camp and clinic booking, preferential guest speaker scheduling, discounted tickets to NPF games and special events, opportunity to become an Official Retailer of NPF gear, equipment and apparel discounts, and more. … Continue Reading
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Stacy May-Johnson has been named the 2011 USA Softball Female Athlete of the Year while Greg Connell was selected as the Male Athlete of the Year, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced today. Cheyenne Cordes has also been selected as the Athlete of the Year from the Junior Women’s National team program.
Rookie infielder May-Johnson (Reno, Nev./Iowa assistant coach), who saw time at shortstop and third base, came out of retirement in 2011 to make her first USA Softball Women’s National Team at 27-years-old. … Continue Reading
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Chicago Bandits annouced today that Darrick Brown has resigned as head coach of the Chicago Bandits.
“We want to thank Darrick for the wonderful year of service he provided to the Bandits,” said Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore. “He was a big reason for the team’s success in 2011, including winning the team’s second NPF Championship.
“We respect his decision to focus on what he has going on in Michigan with his family and indoor center, Brown’s Fastpitch, and the Bandits organization wishes him nothing but success moving forward.” … Continue Reading
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The United States claimed the 2011 International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Women’s World Championship today in Cape Town, South Africa, with a 4-1 defeat of Japan in the Gold Medal Game. After a semifinal loss to Japan on Friday, the Americans topped Chinese Taipei 12-3 in the six inning Bronze Medal Game and then topped Japan to secure the Gold Medal.
“This is one of the greatest days of my life,” designated player Cheyenne Tarango (Anaheim Hills, Calif.) said. … Continue Reading
Rosemont will host the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series, Aug. 23 through 26, at Rosemont Stadium, home of the Bandits, officials announced today.
Dubbed the “World Series” of women’s softball, the NPF Championship Series is the league’s hallmark event and will feature the nation’s top four professional teams. … Continue Reading
CAPE TOWN — The United States thumped Botswana 17-0 in three innings Monday at the 2011 International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa. Nyree White (Eugene, Ore.) threw a perfect game, striking out three, to help the team remain undefeated after five pool play games.
“The team put up a ton of runs today so it was pretty easy for me just going out there throwing strikes,” White said. “I wanted to use my defense, roll up ground balls, which is the same approach that I usually have. I wanted to make sure that we got back in the dugout so we could keep scoring some more runs.” … Continue Reading
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – With the momentum of five two-out hits in the fourth inning, the United States overcame a slow start to beat South Africa 8-0 in five innings Sunday. The win over the well-supported home country at the 2011 International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa, improves Team USA’s record to 4-0 in pool play with three games remaining.
The Red, White and Blue had only one hit each in the first, second and third innings. In the top of the fourth with two-outs, designated player Lauren Haeger (Phoenix, Ariz.) singled up the middle to start the American rally. Cheyenne Cordes (Fairfield, Calif.) followed with a centerfield triple, the first of six extra base hits for the team, and put the first run on the board. … Continue Reading
CAPE TOWN – In their first contest of the 2011 International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Women’s World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa, the USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team defeated Canada 11-4 in five innings Thursday. The bottom of the fifth started with a Kourtney Salvarola (Arnold, Md.) single up the middle and ended on a similar note, a walk-off Salvarola single up the middle that scored Kylee Lahners (Laguna Hills, Calif.). … Continue Reading
12/7/2011
CAPE TOWN — The local organizing committee for the IX International Softball Federation (ISF) Junior Women’s World Championship (19-Under) in Cape Town, South Africa, announced that five of the 2011 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team’s pool play games will be webcast live through the official tournament website … Continue Reading
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Ithaca head coach Deb Pallozzi and Tennessee co-head coach Ralph Weekly became members of one of the most elite groups in all of softball on Friday night at the 2011 NFCA Convention in Las Vegas, the NFCA Hall of Fame.
During Pallozzi’s tenure, Ithaca has made 19 NCAA regional appearances, won 10 consecutive Empire 8 regular-season titles, seven tournament crowns and the 2002 NCAA Division III National Softball Championship. While at the helm of the Bombers, Pallozzi has coached some of the best players in school history including 14 NSCA and Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America selections. … Continue Reading
Louisville, KY (November 28, 2011) – Louisville Slugger® TPS® is making some serious noise in fastpitch softball. It started with the “mean sounding” XENO bat, as players affectionately describe the loud and unique noise when a XENO crushes the ball. Now it’s with the major announcement that the sport’s winningest coach has joined the Louisville Slugger family. … Continue Reading
NDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After 32 years as a print publication, the National High School Sports Record Book has officially moved online and can be accessed on the National Federation of State High School Associations … Continue Reading
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Defending national champion Oregon Tech has claimed the top spot in the 2012 NAIA Softball Coaches’ Preseason Top 25 Poll, the national office announced Tuesday. The Owls, who defeated California Baptist 1-0 on May 25 to capture the 2011 National Championship, received 17 of 20 first-place votes and earned 555 points. Oregon Tech, who went 42-13 during the 2011 season, jumps up 17 spots from last season’s final poll. … Continue Reading
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Four-time Olympic medalist in swimming, Title IX advocate and current senior director of Advocacy for the Women’s Sports Foundation Nancy Hogshead-Makar will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2011 NFCA Convention at Bally’s in Las Vegas on Nov. 30, the Association announced on Tuesday. … Continue Reading
Dear NPF Supporters and Fans,
As the Commissioner of National Pro Fastpitch, I wanted to take some time to re-cap the year of 2011 and especially to say “thank you” to each one of you for your visible efforts in supporting the professional level of fastpitch softball. 2011 was a year of firsts in special events, and another year of exciting talent and action when it came to the competition. … Continue Reading
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Courtesy of ASA/USA Softball – With a Pan American Games roster full of 17 rookies, the USA Softball Women’s National team recorded the program’s eighth Pan American Games gold medal with an 11-1 run-rule victory over Canada. In four innings, the U.S. put up 11 hits and completed the tournament with a perfect 9-0 record. As a team, they hit an impressive .428 throughout the week outscoring opponents 78-8. The pitching staff held opponents to a .145 batted average and recorded five shutout victories. … Continue Reading
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland State softball team will get to face some of the best players in the world on Wednesday when the Vikings host the National Pro Fastpitch All-Star team at Erv Lind Stadium.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for youth 17 and under. Group rates of $5 are also available. For more information, call 503-725-3307. … Continue Reading
Nashville, TN – National Pro Fastpitch is preparing for the second half of the 2011 NPF Back to School Tour by looking ahead at some exciting venues and first-time visits. The second half of the Tour will kick off in a big way with Team NPF matched up against the 2009 NCAA Champion, Washington Huskies on Saturday October 22 at 3:00 pm. The game will take place at the home of the Seattle Mariners, Safeco Field, and will be followed by a softball skills clinic at 5:00 pm for players of all ages. … Continue Reading
“Overland Park, KS – Former Olympian, Christie Ambrosi has announced the establishment of her new organization called National Coaches Clinics. The goal of the clinics is to provide coaches, players and parents with a unique way to learn how to develop championship skills while instilling love and passion for the game in athletes. … Continue Reading
A very special weekend is planned for January 13th and 14th 2012 at the Plant City Softball Stadium Complex. The weekend will consist of exhibition games and special events including the FCA All-stars and the Wounded Warriors team. The FCA team will consist of a roster of professional players including Jennie Finch University of Arizona, two time Olympian – Dot Richardson-UCLA, National Champion, … Continue Reading
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Soils Technology company Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association are now accepting entries for the 2011 Field of the Year Awards. Partnering for the fourth-year running, the award honors outstanding field surfacing, excellence in grounds maintenance, as well as qualities unique to each field. … Continue Reading
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Division III Northwestern (Minn.) tallied a 3.694 team grade point average (GPA) during the 2010-2011 academic year to lead all colleges in the 2011 NFCA Top 10 All-Academic team rankings. This marks the first time in program history that the Eagles have led either the Division III or all-college rankings. … Continue Reading
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Texas A&M junior catcher Meagan May has been added to the 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team roster and will compete at October’s Pan American Games, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced today. May (Spring, Texas) replaces Florida junior catcher Brittany Schutte (Fountain Valley, Calif.), who withdrew from the team in August for personal reasons. … Continue Reading
