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.

Amanda Kamekona and the 2016 Chicago Bandits

Amanda Kamekona was a star softball player at UCLA.  She joined the NPF as an undrafted free agent signing with the Carolina Diamonds in 2012.  She played with the New York/New Jersey Comets in 2013.  In 2014, she joined the USSSA Pride, where she remained until July 20, 2016, when they released her.

On July 23, the defending NPF champion Chicago bandits signed her.  AK 47 had 11 hits in 37 at bats for the Bandits.  She had 5 rbi's, scored 7 runs and one home run.  She played multiple positions, as well.

The Pride were riding high in first place when they released Amanda.  The Bandits were scuffling a bit in 4th.  The Bandits ended up in 3rd and eventually beat the Pride to capture their second straight Cowles Cup (NPF championship).

Amanda was not the MVP of the Bandits, but she provided a spark.  She brought experience and a tremendous amount of energy.  We will never know if the Bandits would have won it all without her, but we know she contributed a lot during her short time here.

It's moves like this and players like Amanda, that show the front office of the Bandits is top notch.  Owner Bill Sokolis, GM Aaron Moore, Manager Mike Steuerwald, Coach Roman Foore and the few staffers they have, work tirelessly to find gems like Amanda.  The Bandits continue to bring in and develop players who are quality people and excellent softball players.

One of the highlights for me was being in Akron when AK hit her first home run with the Bandits.  I got to interview her after the game.  Of course, I had to ask how it felt, full well knowing her answer would be that it felt great, but it was her enthusiasm which really captured me.

People always ask me who my favorite Chicago Bandit is.  I say it changes continually, because I cannot pick one (or exclude one) player from the conversation.  I love the Bandits and AK is just th latest, greatest addition to this fine organization!

Amanda Kamekona and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.