NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Agree to Terms with Turnier

Published on May 27, 2016 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT - The Chicago Bandits have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with 2016 second round selection Shelby Turnier, general manager Aaron M. Moore announced Friday. Turnier, who starred as a pitcher at the University of Central Florida, was the third pitcher selected in last month's NPF draft.

"I am so thrilled to be able to continue playing the sport I love," said Turnier. "As an athlete, you dread the day your career will come to an end and I can't thank the Bandits organization enough for providing me the opportunity to extend my career."

With the departure of ace Monica Abbott and Kirsten Verdun, Turnier is expected step into the rotation and provide an immediate impact for the Bandits, who recorded a 2.44 team ERA last season, good for the second-best mark in the league.

"I'm excited to get out to Chicago and start working with my new teammates and coaching staff," the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. added.

At UCF, Turnier became the first All-American in program history after earning First Team honors in her junior season. That same season, she was named the 2015 American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year after posting the lowest ERA in the nation at 0.87.

"Shelby is going to be a big addition to our rotation this season," said Moore. "She is a pitcher that was very successful in her collegiate career and we think she will continue that success in a Bandits uniform.

"She has a want the ball type of mentality and I think that will certainly help her in the league."

During her senior campaign, Turnier helped lead the Knights to the 2016 NCAA Softball Tournament. Although UCF was eventually eliminated by top-seeded Florida, Turnier was instrumental in guiding the team to the regional final. In the tournament opener, Turnier tossed a complete game shutout against Florida Atlantic, surrendering just two hits. Turnier finished the 2016 season with a team-best 21-8 record and 251 strikeouts. She finished her UCF career with 23 career shutouts and a school record 80 wins and she also became the third Knights pitcher to tally more than 800 career strikeouts.

Turnier is expected to join the Bandits in Rosemont prior to the beginning of the 2016 NPF season. The Bandits open up their championship defense with a three-game series at home against the Scrap Yard Dawgs, beginning at 7:05 p.m. on June 2.

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