NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Chicago Bandits selected Houston's Savannah Heebner in the fifth round and 24th overall in the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft on Monday night.
With her selection, Heebner becomes the fifth player in The American's history drafted by an NPF team. She becomes the seventh player in Houston history to be drafted and the first since Haley Outon in 2014.
"This is an amazing opportunity for Savannah to continue her playing career," Houston head coach Kristin Vesely said. "She's an extremely good athlete who can contribute to the roster, whether she is pitching or in the lineup. I'm really proud of her."
Heebner was named to the Top 50 Watch List for the 2019 USA Softball Player of the Year award prior to the start of this season, and currently has a 1.76 ERA with nine wins entering this weekend's play. At the plate, she has tallied a .304 career batting average entering this weekend.
The 2018 American Athletic Conference Co-Pitcher of the Year after leading the conference in wins (26), ERA (1.15) and opponent batting average (.204), Heebner earned a 2018 NFCA Second Team All-American accolade, becoming the fifth All-American in Houston program history. A three-time First Team All-American Athletic Conference selection, she ranks second in program history with 60 career wins and 26 shutouts, as well as third with a 1.93 career ERA.
| The American in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft |
| 2019 |
Savannah Heebner, Houston (Chicago Bandits - 24th overall) |
| 2018 |
Emily Watson, Tulsa (Beijing Shougang Eagles - 8th overall) |
| 2016 |
Shelby Turnier, UCF (Chicago Bandits - 11th overall)
Lee Ann Spivey, USF (Houston Scrap Yard Dawgs - 33rd overall) |
| 2015 |
Kahley Novak, UCF (Dallas Charge - 16th overall) |