Chicago Bandits Sign Taran Alvelo To One-Year Deal

The Chicago Bandits have signed pitcher Taran Alvelo to a one-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.

Alvelo, who spent the 2019 NPF season with the USSSA Pride, was the No. 8 selection in the 2019 NPF Draft. She was originally drafted by the Aussie Peppers before getting traded to the Pride before the start of the 2019 campaign.

During her rookie season, Alvelo posted a record of 7-1 with an ERA of 1.38 in 44.1 innings.  

"Taran is an exciting addition to our club for this upcoming summer," Bandits general manager Toni Calmeyn said in a press release. "She was dangerous as a competitor and we know she'll be just as dangerous when she's suiting up for the Bandits. We are eager to see what she can do in the circle."

Alvelo was a standout at the University of Washington during her collegiate career. She earned 102 wins for the Huskies in her four college seasons to go along with a career ERA of 1.98. She has the second-most strikeouts in Washington's softball history with 895.

An Ohio native, Alvelo will now have a chance to play professional softball closer to home.

"Growing up, I watched the Bandits and I always said I'd be on that field one day, and now I actually get to," Alvelo said in the release. "Getting the chance to become a Chicago Bandit is a dream come true. This midwest girl gets to come home."

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