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NPF Akron Racers

Kelley Montalvo Named Final Racers Impact Honoree

June 3, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Kelley Montalvo of the Akron Racers
Kelley Montalvo of the Akron Racers
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH - Almost three months ago, the Akron Racers began honoring the 30 players who have had the most profound impact on the development of their franchise as a part of the celebration of the team's 15th Season of Play. On March 8, Carla Brookbank was the first IMPACT honoree to be named. Since then, the Class of 30 has charted the history of the league's oldest professional fastpitch team. Today, the final honoree, is, without argument, the heart and soul of the Racers organization, Akron's seven-year veteran, third baseman Kelley Montalvo.

"Our organization has been blessed with the arrival of Kelley Montalvo, seven years ago, for me, it has been a lucky seven years," explained GM Joey Arrietta. "No one in our history and in the game exudes more passion and energy for our game than Kelley Montalvo. Her incredible command of the hot corner rivals any of her closest competitors. When you talk about the fight in the Racers, Kelley exemplifies that Akron never-say-die approach to the game."

Her impact on the Racers goes well beyond her contributions to the game offensively or defensively, which are immeasurable, Montalvo's infectious energy and optimistic outlook have driven Akron for years. Her knowledge and understanding of the pro game make her an enormous asset.

Montalvo has never been afraid to battle down a more difficult path. The five-foot third baseman entered the NPF as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and has worked since then to carve out one of the finest careers in Racers and NPF history. This summer Montalvo is embarking on her seventh season in Akron, tying her with former pitcher, teammate and fellow IMPACT honoree Lisa Norris for the longest tenured Racer in history.

Montalvo became the first Racer to be a three-time All-NPF selection this past season, also being named in 2012 and 2014. Additionally, Montalvo earned Co-NPF Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012, sharing the award with former Chicago Bandits third baseman Amber Patton. She was named the recipient of the Jennie Finch Award in 2014. The Jennie Finch award is given annually to the player who is considered to have had the most profound impact on the game both on and off the field. Montalvo is the only Akron player to win the award in its six-year history.

While a solid player offensively, Montalvo's trademark has always been her defense. Whether it's doubling her height by soaring in the air to snag a line drive or corralling a high hop, chasing down a pop fly in foul territory or diving to stop a sharp grounder, Montalvo's almost nightly highlight reel defensive plays have elevated the crowd to their feet every time She has become a pitcher's best friend seven years running. As good as it is, her defensive abilities go well beyond her career .957 fielding percentage.

Offensively, Montalvo entered the 2016 season in the top 10 in six different categories all-time by a Racer and has the chance to climb into the top five by season's end in most of them. Montalvo is currently tied for second with four triples, needing two to tie Crystl Bustos for the record. Her 75 runs places her in sixth place, 19 away from Lisa Modglin in fifth place. Montalvo is in seventh place in both hits (130) and doubles (20), needing eight and one, respectively, to move into fifth place. The player affectionately known as "Monty" is eighth with 66 RBI, needing just eight to move into a tie for fifth place. Finally, Montalvo's 12 home runs is good for 10th place, nine away from moving into a tie with Sam Marder for fifth place.

The Class of 30 is now complete. The IMPACT honorees will be recognized when the Racers celebrate their 15th Season of Play, July 15-17. The team will host the Dallas Charge at historic Firestone Stadium. The honorees will be among many former players, coaches, umpires and staff that will be in attendance on Saturday, July 16 for the ceremony honoring the IMPACT award winners. Each honoree will receive a personalized commemorative jersey with their name and number. Details regarding the festivities will be released as the season officially gets underway on June 8.

Full List of 2016 Akron Racers IMPACT Honorees

1. Carla Brookbank-Schaal 9. Radara McHugh 17. Angela Tincher 25. Nerissa Myers

2. Crystl Bustos 10. Iyhia McMichael 18. Norelle Dickson 26. Charlotte Morgan

3. Amy Kyler 11. Nicole Trimboli 19. Jackie Pasquerella 27. Rachele Fico

4. Sarah Dawson 12. Brandee McArthur 20. Lisa Modglin 28. Ashley Thomas

5. Nicole Odom 13. Jenny Topping 21. Lisa Norris 29. Taylor Schlopy

6. Tobin Echo-Hawk 14. Oli Keohohou 22. Sam Marder 30. Kelley Montalvo

7. Kellyn Tate 15. Kristen Butler 23. Jill Barrett

8. Kristin Johnson 16. Veronica Wootson 24. Ayumi Karino




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Kelley Montalvo of the Akron Racers
Kelley Montalvo of the Akron Racers
   

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