NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), selected Western Illinois senior, Sammy Marshall with the third pick of the fourth round in the 2015 Senior Draft. The announcement was made during the first-ever, live televised draft on Wednesday (April 1).
The Naperville, Illinois native becomes just the third member of the Western Illinois softball family to be drafted and has the opportunity to become the sixth professional softball player, and the first since current WIU head coach Holly Van Vlymen, after the shortstop completes her collegiate eligibility.
"I'm very excited to have been given the chance to play professionally this summer," Marshall said. "I'm honored that the Bandits have drafted me to further my career past the collegiate level. I wouldn't be half the player I am today if it weren't for my family, coaches, and teammates pushing me, so for that I thank them. Being able to watch the people who have influenced me the most was an amazing experience and something I will remember forever. As ecstatic as I am to start my journey in the NPF, the only thing I'm focused on is winning a conference championship with my teammates at Western."
Along with Van Vlymen, Sandy Fischer, Cara Johnson-Hirsch, Wendy Krejca, and Venus Taylor also went on to play in the professional ranks following successful careers at Western Illinois. Johnson-Hirsch and Taylor were the previous members of the softball family to be drafted.
Prior to the start of NPF (which was rebranded from Women's Professional Fastpitch and Women's Professional Softball League), Fischer became the first softball player to go pro following her time at Western, playing for the Connecticut Falcons on the International Women's Professional Softball Association. Long-time Western Illinois coach Kathy Veroni, who played her collegiate softball at Illinois State, also played professionally during the late '60s and '70s for the Falcons.
Marshall, who already owns Western Illinois career records in stolen bases and runs scored, was the 18th overall selection in the 2015 NPF Draft, becoming the fourth Summit League/Mid-Con selection in the history of the league and the first since 1997.
"This is a very exciting day," said head coach Holly Van Vlymen. "The Leatherneck softball family is so happy and could not be more proud of Sammy for being selected in the 2015 NPF Draft. We cannot wait to follow her during her career. With her athleticism and skill-set, she can do a lot for that team. It's an honor for a player of her caliber to be drafted into the NPF."
Marshall entered the 2015 as the NCAA's active leader in batting average and stolen bases. During her career, Marshall has maintained a .458 average, with 127 stolen bases, 146 runs, and 10 home runs. She was named a Top-25 finalist for the 2014 ASA/USA Softball 'Player of the Year Award' in 2014, and was named to the Watch List for the 2015 edition of the award. Earlier this year, Marshall was also named a semi-finalist for the Senior CLASS Award.
The Bandits joined NPF in 2005 and have since won four regular season titles and two league championships. The 2015 season begins on May 24 against the Pennsylvania Rebellion.
The 2015 season continues for the Leathernecks on Thursday (April 2) at Iowa. The matchup against the Hawkeyes is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch. |
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