On the Beat With Kristen Brown and the Chicago Bandits 2017

We are back "On the Beat" with the back-to-back reigning National Pro Fastpitch champion Chicago Bandits and we couldn't be happier or more excited.  Our recurring coverage brings us to Kristen Brown.

Kristen's name is all over the leaderboards and record books at North Carolina.  Among other accomplishments, she was a 3x First Team All-ACC selection;  After her outstanding career at North Carolina, Kristen was drafted 24th overall in the 4th round of the 2016 NPF Draft by the Bandits.
In her first season with the Bandits, Kristen played shortstop, 3rd base and right field.  She hit 5 home runs (3rd most on the team) and drove in 11 runs, while hitting .225.  

In our interview below, we talked about Kristen's transition from pitcher (in high school) to shortstop (in college and beyond).  Despite her versatility last season, Kristen is alted to be the regular shortstop this season.  After the legendary career of Tammy Williams and last year's play of Jill Barrett, Kristen has big shoes to fill, but she is confifent in her abilities and so am I.  I think Kristen will carve out her own legacy and I look forward to watching her career progress.
Kristen told us about winning the NPF title and catching the final out.  I had to ask if it has sunk in yet and if she kept the ball.
We also talked about sightseeing in Chicago and other fun stuff.  One site I think should be on that list is Wrigley Field, but Kristen should be joined by the whole team for a champions night.

For all of our interviews with the Bandits, check out the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bandits playlist on YouTube.  Stay tuned here for recurring coverage and also go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the best team around!
Thank you to the Chicago Bandits for their continued hospitality and support.  Thanks, too, to Kristen for her time and for her part in bringing and nPF title to Chicago last season!

On the Beat With Kristen Brown of the Chicago Bandits 2016

Today our recurring coverage of the Chicago Bandits leads us to Kristen Brown.  This interview with the rookie infielder also wraps up our regular season interview series.

Kristen starred at the University of North Carolina.  She ranks first first in UNC and ACC history in career home runs (66).  She broke the old record in grand (slam) fashion.  Kristen earned First Team All-ACC honors three times and Second Team honors once.  The Bandits selected her with the 24th overall pick in the 2016 NPF draft.

Kristen has gotten off to an excellent start with the team, on offense and defense.  She is another of the fine rookies who look to grow and develop as the team rebuilds after the loss of Tammy Williams, Amber Patton and Monica Abbott.

We talked to Kristen about her path to the Bandits and her experience with Team USA.  Kristen also talked about seeing Chicago and other fun topics.  I apologize for the occasional airplane, but that is part of the experience at the Ballpark in Rosemont.

For more info on Kristen and the Bandits, head to ChicagoBandits.com.  Also, check back here for our usual Bandits coverage.  Despite this being the last interview for the playing season, our coverage will continue throughout the National Pro Fastpitch playoffs which begin in mid-August.