NPF Chicago Bandits

Get to Know Outfielder Kimi Pohlman

Published on April 9, 2013 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


The Chicago Bandits, who won the NPF championship in 2008 and 2011, are looking forward to bringing Kimi Pohlman onboard, as she knows a thing or two about being part of a championship caliber team.

Before writing this feature story on Pohlman, I decided to do some research and I started with her freshman season at the University of Washington. This is the first thing I read thanks to the UW Athletic Communications Department:

"Kimi Pohlman raced home on a squibber back to the circle, giving Washington the decisive run in a 3-2 victory for its first NCAA softball championship."

Not too shabby for a rookie.

Just how big of a role did the freshman play in earning the ring? Enough to be named to the Women's College World Series All-Tournament Team after hitting .375 while also scoring a team-high six runs and helping the Dawgs to its first softball championship.

Although the Huskies were unable to reach the WCWS again in Pohlman's remaining three years, she compiled an impressive resume at Washington where she was a three-time First Team All Region selection and a three-time First Team All-Pac 12 selection.

Pohlman sees herself in a similar situation as a rookie once again but this time, it will be at the professional level and the Bandits hope she will bring that same rookie intensity to help bring another championship to Rosemont.

"The Bandits have been very successful in the team's first eight seasons of play and we expect the 2013 season to be no different," said Bandits GM Aaron M. Moore. "Kimi's experience at Washington and her drive to win and be successful puts her in a position to be a major contributor this year."

With the second overall pick of the 2012 National Professional Fastpitch draft, the Bandits picked Pohlman. Unfortunately for Chicago, the four-year starter at UW opted to hang up her cleats due to previous obligations she had made prior to the draft and pursue another passion of hers -- coaching.

Fast-forward a year and Pohlman will lace up the cleats again as she joins the Bandits for the 2013 season.

"I am so excited to get back on the dirt and play with and against some of the best players the sport has ever seen," Pohlman said. "I am ready to compete and do what I can to bring success to the Bandits in whatever role they see me filling."

In a league that is going on its tenth year of existence, Pohlman will join four of her teammates in the NPF who were members of that 2009 UW championship team -- Jenn Salling, Ashley Charters, Danielle Lawrie and Nikia Williams. She will be competing against them for the first time, as the quartet of Huskies are all part of the USSSA Pride organization.

I had the opportunity to catch up with the speedy outfielder from Sammamish, Washington to learn more about her and get her opinions upon entering her first professional season.

I heard all the way in Chicago that you excelled in several sports while in high school. What made you choose softball?

I was a four-sport athlete up until high school graduation. I played soccer for fourteen years, basketball for eight, track for five and I'm going on my eighteenth year of playing softball.

I hated having to give them all up, but softball was always what I was best at and what I devoted the most time to. Deep down, basketball might be my true love, but I'm not sure there are many opportunities out there for a 5'8" center.

You led Washington in steals for three consecutive years and rank fifth in Husky history with 89 steals. Bandits GM, Aaron Moore thinks he can beat you in a footrace from home to first, your thoughts?

I would love to challenge Aaron in a footrace when I get there this summer! Loser buys dinner?

You left your mark on the Husky record books. One of which was your overall batting average of .378 which ranks 5th all-time. What kind of off-season training are you doing to prepare to play with and against some of the world's best players?

I am beyond blessed to have played for an incredible program at UW. The coaches and current players have been so gracious when it comes to letting former players train with them.

Ashley Charters and I have been going in every day to hit, run, throw and lift. I've always looked up to her, so getting to train with her again and learn more about the game from one of its most talented players has been very helpful.

Pohlman and the rest of the Bandits kick off the 2013 season on Saturday, June 1 with an exhibition game against the Indiana Slammers at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

To purchase tickets for the 2013 season, call the Bandits office at (877) 722-6348 or visit the team's website at www.chicagobandits.com .

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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from April 9, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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