International & NPF

Bandits Name Olympian Stacey Nuveman Deniz as 2018 Head Coach

Photo credit: Derrick Tuskan, San Diego State Athletic Media Relations

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Chicago Bandits have named Stacey Nuveman Deniz as the team’s new head coach, general manager Toni Calmeyn announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Nuveman Deniz, a three-time U.S. Olympian during her playing days, has served as the associate head coach at San Diego State since the 2013 season. She’s spent the past nine seasons as a member of the Aztecs’ program in numerous capacities, including recruiting coordinator, hitting instructor, assistant coach and associate head coach.

Prior to joining San Diego State’s coaching staff, Nuveman Deniz spent six years as an analyst for ESPN in addition to her numerous public speaking appearances and conducting of softball camps and clinics domestically and internationally.

“I am thrilled to join the Bandits culture and family alongside some of the game’s most talented athletes,” Nuveman Deniz said. “I look forward to getting started in Rosemont and working toward a Cowles Cup in 2018.”

In addition to her collegiate track record, Nuveman Deniz brings a breadth of international experience to Rosemont, as well. After capturing gold medals at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and a silver medal in 2008, Nuveman Deniz helped guide the U.S. National Team to medal finishes at the World Cup (2006), World Championships (2002 and 2006) and Pan American Championships (1993 and 2003). She was named to the USA Softball coaching pool in 2010 and again in 2014.

“Stacey (Nuveman Deniz) brings a wealth of experience from all levels of the game and we are confident in her ability to lead our organization during the 2018 season,” Calmeyn said.

A standout at UCLA, Nuveman Deniz amassed First Team NFCA All-America recognition in all four seasons as a Bruin. She was awarded the inaugural USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award in 2002, and earned the Pac-10’s Player of the Year Award on three occasions. She ranks among NCAA leaders in career home runs (90), slugging percentage (.945) and walks (240).

During UCLA’s 1999 National Championship season, Nuveman Deniz paced the Bruins with a .446 clip at the plate, smacking 31 home runs and adding 91 RBI.

The Bandits conducted a search for a new head coach following the departure of Sharonda McDonald, who guided the team to its 10th consecutive postseason berth in her lone season at the helm of the organization. McDonald departed the Bandits on Sept. 14, 2017 due to coaching obligations at Ohio State.

About Chicago Bandits

Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch league. Entering their 14th season as a franchise, the Bandits have provided the Chicago area with high-level softball talent and entertainment en route to capturing six regular season titles and four Cowles Cup championships, the most recent coming during the 2016 campaign. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits play at The Ballpark at Rosemont, one of the premier softball facilities in the nation. The Ballpark at Rosemont is the only stadium in the country built exclusively for a women’s professional softball team. The Bandits provide an opportunity for female fastpitch softball players to further their careers at the professional level and has included legendary figures such as Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott and Tammy Williams.

About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)

National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2004, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in fastpitch softball beyond their collegiate and amateur success.  The NPF affiliate teams consist of the Akron Racers, Beijing Shougang Eagles, Chicago Bandits, Scrap Yard Dawgs, Texas Charge and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2017 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the United States, Australia, Canada and China among which are the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women’s softball.

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