Friday, June 16, 2017

Good Bye, Good Luck and Thank You Amanda Kamekona

Amanda Kamekona's stay with the Chicago Bandits was relatively short, but it was meaningful.  Kamekona was signed by the Bandits in midseason and immediately made an impact.  She was a spark that the team needed as they made their playoff run.
Kamekona 
In three seasons at Cal State Fullerton, Kamekona hit .317 in 499 at bats.  She had 20 home runs, 83 rbi's and 88 runs scored.  She went on to UCLA, where she earned first-team All-Pac-10, second-team All-Pacific Region and third-team All-American honors after leading the Bruins in home runs (14), runs batted in (46), runs scored (47), doubles (17) and slugging percentage (.663).
She started her NPF career with the Carolina Diamonds in 2012.  She also has played for the NY/NJ Comets and the USSSA Pride.
She always seemed to come through with a big hit for the Bandits last season.  AK47 also quickly became a fan favorite.  Her enthusiasm was well-received by Bandit Nation.
I had the pleasure of seeing her hit a big home run against the Racers in Akron and I got a quick word with her after the game.  That Akron roadtrip was one of the highlights of my 2016.
Unfortunately, AK47 will be playing for the Texas Charge in 2017.  While she did not have the longevity as some of the other departed Bandits, she was a big part of the last NPF title and we will miss her in Chicago.  It will be sad to see her with the Charge, but of course, we wish her well.  I appreciate what she brought to the Bandits.  I also am grateful for her time and consideration in talking to us always.  Good luck to AK47 and thanks to her for being a part of the rich history of the Bandits.

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