Sparks, MD – Former University of Arizona star infielder Samantha Banister has signed a contract to be managed and represented by Maryland-based All-Pro Fastpitch, a division of API Sports Management and Marketing, it was announced today. Banister joins 2008 NCAA Player of the Year Angela Tincher, who has been represented by API for marketing, appearances and business development since February.
 
APF has been established to provide elite softball players with avenues to make a comfortable living through continued involvement in their sport. Not only will APF assist players with their contract negotiations, marketing and appearances, but it also will develop camps, clinics, tournaments and other business opportunities for professional fastpitch athletes around the country. APF truly is The Future of Professional Softball.

“We are very excited to welcome Samantha on board with APF,” said Scott Lowe, CEO of APF and API. “The combination of her elite athletic ability and outgoing personality make her an extremely marketable athlete on and off the field. Having outstanding players and people such as Samantha and Angela  to work with will really help us make an impact on the sport from the grassroots all the way up to the elite level.”
 
Banister played for the Akron Racers of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) this past season after a standout career at Arizona in which she was a part of two national championship teams while playing multiple infield positions and serving as a designated player. As a senior she belted a career-best 16 home runs, including two in NCAA Tournament regional play, and 10 doubles to go along with a .526 slugging percentage. Banister batted over .300 in the 2007 Women’s College World Series, including a five-game hitting streak, and recorded back-to-back multi-hit games in the championship series against Monica Abbott, one of the top pitchers in the world. She was chosen by the NPF to represent the league at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game  in St. Louis this past summer.