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NPF Chicago Bandits

DJ Sanders and Kinship Entertainment Agree to OPAL

February 28, 2019 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Infielder DJ Sanders of the Chicago Bandits and Kinship Entertainment have agreed to an On-Player Ad Location (OPAL) deal that will specifically involve the entertainment company's "Out of Place Art of Facts" branded series.

Sanders, chosen 21st overall in the 2018 NPF College Draft by the Chicago Bandits, began her collegiate career at the University of Louisiana where she was the Sunbelt Conference Player of the Year and a First Team All-American in 2017. After transferring in 2018, she played her senior season at Oregon, where she batted .281 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI. For that first-year performance in the Pac-12, Sanders was named to the All-Pac-12 and All-Pacific Region Teams in a season in which the Ducks won their fifth Pac-12 Championship.

"I am so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Kinship Entertainment," Sanders said. "This company focuses on promoting entertainment that will empower, inspire and encourage the younger generation to fearlessly be who they truly are. Being confident in who I am and what I stand for is a top priority for me, and I'm so thankful that Kinship Entertainment is giving me a platform to promote that and encourage others to do the same!"

Started by brothers Australia and Michael Hoover, Kinship Entertainment is an entertainment company that produces a wide range of multimedia content including music, comics, animated films and children's books. Their "Out of Place Art of Facts" series strives to empower individuals of all walks of life to reach their fullest potential and embrace their individuality. The brand's goal is to be a source of hope and inspiration through artistic expression and the celebration of the rich histories that shape the world in which we live.

"I fell in love with the sport of fastpitch softball many years ago when I was asked to join the coaching staff of my daughter's 8U travel team," said Australia Hoover, co-founder of Kinship Entertainment. "DJ is a shining example of what's possible when talent meets hard work, discipline and a positive attitude. DJ was a clear and obvious choice for the player we wanted to associate our company with and we're thrilled that the OPAL program has given us the opportunity to do just that."

Sanders joins over 30 other players and coaches that have signed OPAL partnerships in the two short months of the program's existence. The program was launched by the league in December and designed specifically to subsidize player salaries with at least 90% of the revenue paid directly to the athletes themselves. The OPAL program clears the way for individuals and companies to directly support the efforts of players to continue their professional careers.

Sanders and her Chicago Bandits teammates will open the 2019 season in their friendly home confines of Parkway Bank Sports Complex against the Cleveland Comets on Thursday, June 6, at 7:05 p.m. CDT.

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