ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Chicago Bandits have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent shortstop Andrea Filler, general manager Aaron M. Moore announced Thursday.
Filler, who recently finished her senior campaign at Northwestern University, is expected to compete for positions in the infield and outfield.
"We've had tremendous success with players from the Wildcats program (including Filler, seven NU Alums have played for the Bandits) and we don't expect anything different from Andrea," said Moore. "She brings some versatility to our team and will surprise people with her athleticism."
Filler will be the ninth Wildcat to play in National Professional Fastpitch, and the sixth to compete with the Chicago Bandits. She joins Carri Leto Martin (N.Y./N.J Juggernaut, 2004-05; Philadelphia Force, 2006; New England Riptide, 2007-08); Garland Cooper (New England Riptide, 2007); Eileen Canney (New England Riptide, 2007-08; Chicago Bandits, 2009-10), Tammy Williams (Chicago Bandits, 2009 and 2011-15), Nicole Pauly (Chicago Bandits, 2010; Akron Racers, 2011-12), Robin Thompson (Chicago Bandits, 2011), Adrienne Monka (Chicago Bandits, 2012) and Emily Allard (Chicago Bandits, 2014-present).
"We expect Andrea to battle for playing time in several positions this season, including some at third base and some in the outfield," said Moore. "Her ability to hit the ball over the fence and in the gaps from the right side is also a huge plus."
In just three years with the Wildcats, Filler ranks third in school history in doubles (40), fourth in slugging (.693), sixth in batting (.351), seventh in RBIs (159) and on-base percentage (.433), eighth in total bases (316) and ninth in home runs (34). The two-time All-Big Ten first-team selection had one of the finest slugging seasons in program history in 2016, ranking third in home runs (16), fifth in doubles (14) and RBIs (59) and seventh in slugging (.739).
"I am thankful for everyone, including my coaching staff and teammates at Northwestern, for helping me get to this point in my career," said the 23-year-old rookie. "I would not be where I am without them. We had some great team successes at Northwestern and I'm looking forward to what's in store with the Bandits."
I am so excited for the opportunity to be a member of the Bandits organization," Filler added. "Being able to continue my playing career, competing with and against some of the greatest softball players in the country, is something I'm honored to do and it's exciting to get to do in Chicago."
Filler will join the Bandits in time for Friday morning's practice in Rosemont. The Bandits open their championship defense with a three-game set at home against the Scrap Yard Dawgs, beginning at 7:05 p.m. on June 2.
Information from the Chicago Bandits was used in this press release.