KRISTEN SHIFFLETT DRAFTED 16TH OVERALL BY CHICAGO BANDITS
3/21/2011 5:37:47 PM | Softball
SHIFFLETT IS FIRST RADFORD FEMALE STUDENT-ATHLETE TO BE DRAFTED BY A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
ORLANDO, Fla. – Shortstop Kristen Shifflett became the first Radford University female student-athlete to be drafted by a professional organization when she was selected by the Chicago Bandits of the National ProFastpitch League (NPF), announced Friday evening.
Shifflett was taken as the 16th overall pick and will join an organization that has won five of six regular season titles, and claimed the 2008 NPF Championship.
“It's such an honor to be drafted by the Bandits,” stated Shifflett, who was named to USA Softball's 2011 Top 50 Watchlist. “It's an amazing feeling seeing my name mentioned with all the talented softball players that I have played against or heard of throughout my college career. I'm excited and looking forward to the opportunity to extend my softball career after college!”
Highlander softball has ties to the Bandits organizations as Radford head coach Mickey Dean was Chicago's skipper for the first six seasons of the team's existence. After DePaul head coach Eugene Lenti left prior to 2007, Dean was the sole manager of the Bandits the past four years. Dean retired after the 2010 campaign.
“We are excited that Kristen was chosen in the 2011 NPF Draft by the Chicago Bandits,” said Dean. “Kristen has continued to work hard to become the best possible player, student, and person, since she walked onto the Radford University campus four years ago, and I have no doubt that her continued journey will be a successful one. The recognitions she is receiving are hard earned and well deserved.”
Former Radford standout Ashley Carlson (2005-08) was the first Highlander to play for the Bandits, earning a roster spot in 2008 and played the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
“The Bandits are excited to welcome another outstanding product from our good friends at Radford University,” said Chicago Bandits owner Bill Sokolis. “The first time I watched her play I knew she had the goods to be a Bandit. I expect Kristen to make a lot of noise in this league; and make Radford proud!”
Joining Shifflett as part the Bandits' 2011 draft class are Michigan's Dorian Shaw, Georgia's Megan Wiggins and Alisa Golar and Kara Nelson from Illinois State.
“The Bandits organization is very excited about adding a player to our roster like Kristen Shifflett," said Bandits GM Aaron M. Moore. "She has received the highest recommendations from one of the best coaches in the country in Radford's Mickey Dean and that speaks volumes about her abilities. We look forward to her coming to the Bandits and making an immediate impact to the club.”
All drafted players are not eligible to sign contracts or commit to professional teams until the completion of their college season per NCAA rules and regulations.
The 2011 regular season kicks off June 9 as the Chicago Bandits open their brand new stadium in Rosemont, Ill.
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