NPF Akron Racers

Tobin Echo-Hawk Joins Former Teammate as the Next Racers Impact Honoree

Published on March 24, 2016 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Akron Racers Second Baseman Tobin Echo-Hawk
Akron Racers Second Baseman Tobin Echo-Hawk
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH - The Akron Racers announced today that Tobin Echo-Hawk joins teammate Nicole Odom as the next IMPACT honoree. The former Akron Racers second baseman Tobin Echo-Hawk was a true pioneer for women's professional softball and the Akron Racers, and continues to make her mark on the sport as the Head Coach, now in her third season, at University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

"When you open the Racers dictionary to the word teammate, Tobin's name would immediately rise to the top," remembered GM Joey Arrietta." Not only was she a talented athlete but the consummate team player, a coach's dream."

Prior to joining the Racers, Echo-Hawk was a member of the 1997 Orlando Wahoos, one of the first six women's professional softball teams in their inaugural year. In her rookie year, Echo-Hawk set the current WPF-WPSL-NPF record for doubles in a season with 18. The former Nebraska Cornhusker played two summers for the Wahoos before play was suspended in Orlando. The Akron Racers inherited the Wahoo roster in 1999. Echo-Hawk's transition to the Racers was seamless, playing the next two seasons in Akron at an all-star level.

When the WPSL suspended operations after the 2000 season Echo-Hawk continued her professional career in Italy, honing her skills for an eventual return to the Racers in 2005 when she helped guide the team to the Cowles Cup Championship.

Echo-Hawk enjoyed her best offensive season with the Racers in that 2005 championship season, playing in 30 of the team's 46 games and batting .240 and scoring 14 runs and driving in 14 RBI. In her three-year career with the Racers, Echo-Hawk collected 69 hits, scored 40 runs, drove in runs and hit 12 doubles while stealing 11 bases.

In her first season with the Racers in 1999, Echo-Hawk collected 34 hits, while scoring 23 runs and plating 21 base runners. She also had eight doubles and six stolen bases. The six stolen bases were a single season career-high for Echo-Hawk.

Echo-Hawk's leadership helped shaped the Racers becoming a stabilizing force on and off the field. As a player who already had two years professional experience before joining the Racers, Echo-Hawk immediately became someone Akron could rely upon. That dependability only grew in the Tobin's three seasons with the Racers, particularly during the 2005 Championship season.

Echo-Hawk and the other 29 IMPACT honorees will be recognized this summer, culminating in a

weekend-long celebration July 15-17 when the Racers welcome the Dallas Charge to Firestone Stadium for a three-game series. The Racers will welcome back many of their former players to celebrate the history of the franchise, culminating in the pre-game presentation of the 30 IMPACT honorees on July 16th. Each honoree will receive a special commemorative jersey bearing their name and number.

2016 Akron Racers IMPACT Honorees (to date)

1. Carla Brookbank-Schaal

2. Crystl Bustos

3. Amy Kyler

4. Sarah Dawson

5. Nicole Odom Reis

6. Tobin Echo-Hawk

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Akron Racers Second Baseman Tobin Echo-Hawk
Akron Racers Second Baseman Tobin Echo-Hawk
   



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from March 24, 2016


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