TOLEDO, Ohio – Former Rocket Chandler Rice will have the opportunity to continue playing softball professionally with the Akron Racers. Rice tried out for the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF) team last week and signed a one-year contract on Saturday.
 
"I'm very excited and grateful to be able to continue my softball career at the next level with the Akron Racers!" said Rice. "I'm proud to be representing the University of Toledo and the Mid-American Conference in the NPF. I want to thank Rocket Nation for all of its support through my time at Toledo and I hope that we now have some new Racers' fans!"
 
The Louisville, Ohio native is the first player from Toledo to play professionally in the NPF. Rice played over 200 games as a Rocket and finished her career with a .355 batting average. She recorded 132 runs, 112 RBI and 21 homers and ranks first all-time at UT with a .531 slugging percentage. Rice was awarded with 2017 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I All-Region honors after her tremendous senior campaign where she led Toledo in nearly every statistical category.
 
"This is a great achievement for Chandler," said Toledo Head Coach Kristen Butler. "Her hard work and determination has taken her to the next level in our sport. Playing professional softball is a huge accomplishment because there are only five American teams and to be a part of one is very special. She will get a chance to play and compete against some of the very best in our game."
 
The NPF was created in 2004 and has only five teams. In the 13 years with the NPF, the Akron Racers have qualified for the semifinals in all but one year with a current eight-year streak. The Racers last won the NPF Championship in 2005.