Bandits going to bat in Elgin

We're all extremely excited to be back in Elgin for the 2009 season to defend our championship.

We have a great returning group from last season, including three Olympians and last years' league MVP, Stacy May-Johnson. The Bandits also have added a powerful pack of rookies to help bring another championship to the community.

Tammy Williams (Northwestern) and Amber Patton (DePaul) are the local superstars among our rookies.

So far we're off to a great start, winning four of five in our first series against the Philadelphia Force. This week we take on the USSSA Pride from Florida.

Every year we are making more and more connections with community outreach programs; this year we are working with Habitat for Humanity. We're looking at July 29 to help them build a home right here in Elgin.

Bandits fans are welcome to come out to help build with us. For more details keep an eye on our Web site at chicagobandits.com.

Being able to continue to play at this level for the past five years has been a blessing for me. I began my career playing for the Akron Racers, but I've found my home here in Elgin with the Bandits.

This city has embraced us, and we want nothing more than to grow our family and fan base by making more connections with the Chicagoland area. Come out and see one game and I guarantee you'll be hooked.

Our league highlights amazing athletes who just recently played in the Women's College World Series, so if you enjoyed that, you'll love this.

Without the fans, we don't exist, so thank you for all the support and we look forward to seeing you this week.

• First in a series of weekly columns written by Chicago Bandits players during the season. Nicole Tromboli is an outfielder/first baseman on the team.