Bandits return Steuerwald, Foore as coaching staff for 2016 season

April 4, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Chicago Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore, announced today that both Michael Steuerwald and Roman Foore will return as coaches for the 2016 season. The 2016 season marks Steuerwald's fourth year as the head coach and Foore's third as the team's assistant.

"We are very excited to be bringing back Coach Steuerwald and Coach Foore for the 2016 season," said Moore. "Stu and I have been together for many seasons now and each season we've been together we've competed for a Cowles Cup. He brings a wealth of experience and does an outstanding job on everything, both on and off the field."

Steuerwald, who returned to the Bandits coaching staff after missing the 2014 season, owns a career record of 92-48, including a 31-17 record in 2015. With Steuerwald at the helm, the Bandits went on to clinch their third Cowles Cup Championship in franchise history with a sweep of the USSSA Pride in the Championship Series Final.

"I'm excited to be back for another season," Steuerwald exclaimed. "I want to thank Bill Sokolis, Mayor Stephens, and Aaron Moore for giving me this opportunity and I'm looking forward to working with a great staff and great group of players again."

Steuerwald joined the Bandits coaching staff in 2010, after serving as an assistant coach for the Rockford Thunder during the 2009 season. In his first five years with the Bandits, as both a head and assistant coach, he helped lead the team to five consecutive NPF Championship appearances as well as a Cowles Cup victory in 2011. Steuerwald is also a two-time winner of the NPF Coaching Staff of the Year award.

"Every group and every year presents new challenges and this year will be the same," Coach Steuerwald added. "We will need to fill in holes from some key departures, but I'm looking forward to seeing what this team is able to accomplish by trusting in the process."

In the offseason, Steuerwald is the Director of Softball Operations for The Dome at the Ballpark in Rosemont. He also continues to give back to the local community through the Coach's Corner program, which allows underprivileged youth across the Chicagoland area to attend a Bandits game throughout the season. Additionally, Steuerwald makes weekly visits to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, Ill. to visit with patients.

"We are excited to have Roman back for a third season in Rosemont," said Moore. "Roman works very well with Stu on a lot of things and they seem to be on the same page and have the same goals in mind. It's very nice to have someone with his experience on the staff and his ability to throw batting practice is a huge bonus for our team."

Foore is currently serving in his second season as the assistant coach for Bethel University softball in St. Paul, Minn. Prior to joining the Bandits in 2014, he served as an assistant coach at Appalachian State University, as well as St. Thomas (Minn.) University. "I am honored to continue working in such an outstanding organization," said Foore. "After such a special season last year, it is exciting to see how the Bandits will compete in an expanding league. "Coaching in the NPF is an experience that is unmatched. It is phenomenal to see these women play at this level and to have a small part in expanding the game for these remarkable athletes." In addition to his extensive coaching experience, Foore also brings playing experience to the Bandits, having been a member of the United States Men's National Team since 1998.

The defense of the Cowles Cup begins on Thursday, June 2 when the Bandits host the Scrap Yard Dawgs at The Ballpark at Rosemont for the 2016 home opener. Single-game tickets for all 2016 home games, including the home opener and the team's ring and banner ceremony on June 18, are now on sale at chicagobandits.com or by calling the box office at 877-722-6348.

About Chicago Bandits Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits provide an opportunity for female fastpitch players to further their careers at a professional level and the roster has included such names as Jennie Finch, Stacy May-Johnson, Monica Abbott and Tammy Williams. The three-time NPF Champions, who are owned by Bill Sokolis, play at The Ballpark at Rosemont, the only stadium in the country built for a women's professional team. The 2016 season will be the Bandits 12th in the NPF.

Chicago Bandits Head Coach Michael Steuerwald (Dana Kwit)

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