Northwestern University Athletics
Tammy Williams Rejoins Chicago Bandits for 2011 Season
1/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jan. 5, 2011
Release courtesy of the Chicago Bandits
ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Chicago Bandits owner Bill Sokolis wasted no time making a splash this offseason, working with former Northwestern shortstop and 2009 National Pro Fastpitch Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Tammy Williams to return to the Chicago Bandits. She spent last season playing in Japan and for Team USA.
Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. The deal is also pending league approval.
"I'm so excited to have the opportunity to wear the Bandits uniform again and represent Chicago," said Williams. "I can't wait to join the team and see the fans again."
Drafted by the Bandits in 2009 with the 10th overall pick. Williams blasted her way into the NPF with an impressive rookie season that saw her grab Rookie of the Year honors as well as Defensive Player of the Year honors, beating out the likes of Akron Racers shortstop Crystl Bustos for the top defensive honors.
Bandits Owner Bill Sokolis expects Williams to pick up where she left off after an impressive 2009 campaign. A fan of Williams since her days playing softball at Northwestern University, Sokolis was ecstatic to have the fiery red-headed short stop back on his roster.
"I'm beyond thrilled to have Tammy back in the black and orange," said Sokolis. "I've always been an NU fan. I've watched her since her freshman year with the Wildcats and in the Women's College World Series in 2007, and I've always been impressed."
Only a handful of players from the 2009 squad remain with the Bandits today, but the memories of an exciting 2009 season that saw the Bandits lose to Cat Osterman and the Rockford Thunder remain with Williams.
"One of my favorite memories from my first season was always being at the ballpark," said Williams. "I remember my first game, all the fans and my family members that came out, they were going crazy and [Eileen Canney] and I were together again on the field and in the pros."
Williams returns to the Bandits after a year away on the international stage with Team USA and Team Denzo in the Japanese league.
"The pro league in Japan is different. They're so focused on being fast and being fundamentally sound, it's a different style of game over there," said Williams. "Both the [NPF] and Japan are very competitive but the main thing is everyone's love for the sport of softball and creating those friendships with players."
With the addition of Williams being the latest move by the Bandits, the 2011 season is shaping up to be an exciting one in Bandits history. Williams and newly acquired pitcher Taryne Mowatt join a Bandits roster that is eager to open a brand new stadium in Rosemont, Ill. this summer. A 2011 NPF schedule is expected to be released in early February, but season tickets and seat selection for the 2011 season are available now. For information about season tickets with the Bandits, go to www.chicagobandits.com or call the Bandits office at 877-722-6348.
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