Softball grad picked for pro Chicago Bandits
Natalie Hernandez continues her softball career post-UIC as a member of the National Pro Fastpitch’s Chicago Bandits. Photo: Steve Woltmann
UIC softball’s Natalie Hernandez earned a spot on the 2014 roster of the National Pro Fastpitch’s Chicago Bandits during open tryouts at the Ballpark at Rosemont.
Hernandez is just the second Flame in UIC history to continue her career at the NPF level; former standout Destiny Mollison competed with the Orlando Wahoos in 1997.
“It means a lot to make the Bandits, especially having watched them these past four years while at UIC,” Hernandez said. “With having coaches that went far in their careers, it really pushed me and gave me motivation to further my own career after college.”
Following tryouts, eight players were invited by Bandits coaches to compete in a season-opening exhibition game later that evening against the Indiana Slammers, who the Bandits defeated in an 11-0 shutout. Hernandez and DePaul’s Kirsten Verdun were the lone players selected to join the team.
“The tryouts were challenging and a lot of it was based on endurance,” Hernandez said. “I was with a lot of talented softball players and I wanted to make sure I did all of the little things right.”
Hernandez recently finished her senior season with the Flames after making her mark in the UIC career batting records with the 10th-best batting average (.347) and eighth-most home runs (24). Hernandez boasted a collection of accolades throughout her career and was named to the All-Horizon League First Team for the second time and the NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Third Team during her final season.
“We are so excited for Natalie to have this incredible opportunity to play at the next level,” UIC head coach Michelle Venturella said. “There are not a lot of opportunities for women to continue their softball careers, but the NPF is a great avenue for top players to play beyond college.
“She has been a four-year starter for us at shortstop and has been a tremendous athlete that has led our program offensively and defensively. She is a wonderful person that will be a great representative for the league and the game. We are all very proud of her at UIC for this accomplishment.”
