Kristen Brown Signs With Chicago Bandits

ROSEMONT – The Chicago Bandits announced Wednesday that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Tar Heels senior Kristen Brown. Brown, who was the 24th pick in the April college draft, is expected to join the team in time for Friday’s practice. She will be the 14th Tar Heel alum to play for a National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) team and the second to sign with the Bandits (Christine Knauer, 2010-11).

A native of Levittown, New York, Brown excelled as a shortstop at North Carolina the past four seasons. She is expected to help fill the void on the left side of the Bandits infield left by longtime players Tammy Williams and Amber Patton. 

“It is such an honor to be given the opportunity to play in the NPF,” exclaimed Brown. “I am so thankful for all of my teammates and coaches that have pushed me and supported me throughout the years.”

At UNC, Brown broke out in her junior season on her way to Third Team All-America honors. During the 2015 season, she set the UNC program record for both single-season home runs (24) and RBI (67), while also slashing the Carolina career home run record.

As part of her storied career with the Tar Heels, Brown finished as the all-time ACC career home run lead with 66, breaking the mark of 65 previously held by NC State and now Dallas Charge shortstop Renada Davis.

While in Chapel Hill, Brown broke nearly every offensive record in the UNC record book, holding Tar Heel career records for slugging percentage, home runs, total bases, runs scored, RBIs, walks, sacrifice flies and intentional walks.

“Kristen has a chance to step in and do some really big things from the beginning,” said Bandits GM Aaron M. Moore. “Over the last couple of seasons, she has grown as a hitter and is one of the most powerful hitters in the country. Any time you can set a conference record in home runs is pretty impressive.

“Couple her offensive skills with her general athleticism and ability to play multiple positions, Kristen fits in very well with our team dynamic. We’re excited to get her into a Bandits uniform!”

Brown has already been recognized on the national stage after she was named to the 2016 USA Softball Women’s Elite Team. Brown’s stock was elevated thanks to a sensational senior campaign at UNC, which saw her hit at a team-high .388 clip with 19 home runs and 58 RBI. to lead UNC back to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in her four years.

“I also wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support staff I have at home,” Brown added. “This is such an incredible feeling and I am so grateful to become a part of the Chicago Bandits organization.”

Single game and group tickets for the 2016 Bandits season are available now by calling the office at 877-722-6348 or by visiting www.chicagobandits.com. The Bandits open the 2016 season on Thursday, June 2 when they host the NPF’s newest team, the Scrap Yard Dawgs, for a three-game series. First pitch on opening day is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

About the Chicago Bandits

Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits provide an opportunity for female fastpitch players to further their careers at a professional level, and the roster has included such names as Jennie Finch, Stacy May-Johnson, Emily Allard and Tammy Williams. The three-time NPF Champions, who are owned by Bill Sokolis, play at The Ballpark at Rosemont, the only stadium in the country built for a women’s professional team. The 2016 season will be the Bandits 12^th season in the NPF.

About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The 2016 NPF season will be televised on CBS Sports Network. Coverage includes the NPF College Draft presented by Bownet on Thur., April 14, followed by 23 regular-season games, a Championship Series Preview Special and the 2016 NPF Championship Series. The NPF recently announced that the Scrap Yard Dawgs, located in The Woodlands, Texas, will join the Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion and USSSA Pride for the 2016 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.