Northwestern University Athletics
Robin Thompson Signs With NPF's Chicago Bandits
5/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 31, 2011
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern senior Robin Thompson (Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King) has signed a contract to play professional softball for the Chicago Bandits of National Professional Fastpitch (NPF) following team tryouts Saturday, May 28, at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Ill.
Thompson was one of four players who earned roster spots with the Bandits at the Saturday tryout. She joins former teammate Tammy Williams, who is entering her second season with the franchise.
"It's something I'm very excited about, excited about the opportunity, and I can't wait to play," Thompson said of making the Bandits. "I think I had a lot of nerves. I tried to talk to myself a lot but I think I obviously had nerves and had to get loose. Once I did I felt comfortable out there."
Thompson will be the sixth Wildcat to play professionally in the NPF, joining Carri Leto Martin (N.Y./N.J Juggernaut, 2004-05; Philadelphia Force, 2006; New England Riptide, 2007-08); Garland Cooper (New England Riptide, 2007); Eileen Canney (New England Riptide, 2007-08; Chicago Bandits, 2009-10), Williams (Chicago Bandits, 2009 and 2011) and Nicole Pauly (Chicago Bandits, 2010; Akron Racers, 2011).
Northwestern products have a history of success in the league. Martin was a three-time NPF All-Star and the 2005 NPF Defensive Player of the Year. Canney earned the 2009 NPF Diamond Sports Pitcher of the Year honor while Williams was the 2009 NPF Nokona American Glove Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
Thompson earned All-Big Ten second team honors during Northwestern's 2011 season, batting .368 with 32 runs scored and 19 steals in 19 attempts. She led the entire nation in sacrifices per game, totaling 16 on the year.
The Chicago Bandits open their season at 7:35 p.m. CT Saturday, June 4, against the Bloomington Lady Hearts at the new Rosemont Stadium in Rosemont, Ill.. The Bandits will feature throwback uniforms honoring the Chicago Colleens of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Tickets can be purchased online at chicagobandits.com or by calling 877-722-6348.
Information from the Chicago Bandits was used in this release.
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