Bandits Re-Sign Head Coach Lauren Lappin For 2020 Season

The Chicago Bandits have re-signed head coach Lauren Lappin to a one-year deal for the 2020 season, the team announced Friday.

“I am thrilled to remain the head coach for the Chicago Bandits," Lappin said in a press release. "After being on staff for two years, it is clear that Mayor Stephens, GM Toni Calmeyn and the entire Bandits front office are second to none."

After a standout career at Stanford, Lappin was a member of the 2008 United States Olympic softball team that captured the silver medal at the Beijing Games. She led the Bandits to a 38–7 record during the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch regular season, as well as the NPF's regular-season title. Lappin and Chicago's other coaches, Amber Flores and Lance McMahon, were named the 2019 NPF Coaching Staff of the Year in August.

"We’re extremely excited to have Lauren locked in as a Bandit for the upcoming season,” Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn said in the release. “Her dedication to this team and the women in this locker room is unmatched and we couldn’t be happier having her lead us next season.”

The 2020 NPF season will feature a new schedule format, which will include a minimum of three teams competing at any one time and place during league competition. The Bandits have announced two series so far for next season, which will take place at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill. June 11-14 and June 25-28. The complete 2020 schedule will be announced in January.

The Bandits, who have been members of the NPF since 2005, last won the Cowles Cup in 2016. Overall, the Bandits own four league titles, having won in 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2016.

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