URBANA, Ill. – Former Illinois softball standout Carly Thomas will have a busy summer as the outfielder is set to play with the Cleveland Comets of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league in affiliation with Team Mexico, with the hopes of making the international squad and qualifying for the 2020 Olympics.
"I am so thankful and excited for this God given opportunity to continue to play softball with Team Mexico this summer," said Thomas. "My family and I are thrilled that I have the opportunity to represent Mexico on the international stage. The response from my family has been one of overwhelming enthusiasm. I could not be prouder to play for this team."
The Comets announced a cooperative partnership with Team Mexico for the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) season in March. The partnership adds top international talent to Cleveland's roster, which currently includes multiple NPF leading performers. Players with Hispanic backgrounds, including Thomas, will have the opportunity to earn a spot with Team Mexico, which will give fans the chance to see college, international and even former NPF players on the field.
"We are extremely proud of Carly and all of the hard work she has put in to become one of the best athletes in our sport," said head coach Tyra Perry. "Carly has had a highly decorated collegiate career at Illinois and it is only fitting that she has this great opportunity to continue playing softball."
Besides the Comets/Team Mexico partnership participation in the NPF, Thomas and the team will participate in the USA International Cup of Softball between July 2-7 in Columbus, Ga., and the 18th Pan American Games August 3-11 in Lima, Peru, with the hopes of being named to the 15-player roster that will participate at the WBSC Americas Olympic Qualifier between August 25-September 1 in Surrey, Vancouver, Canada.
Team Mexico earned the Silver Medal at the 23rd Central American Games in Cartagena, Colombia with a 7-1 record, with their only loss coming in extra innings in the championship game. In 2018, Team Mexico finished in sixth place at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Championship celebrated in Chiba, Japan with a 6-3 record, losing to Australia, 1-0 in nine innings, for the chance to compete for the bronze medal. The team is currently ranked fifth in the WBSC world rankings.
The Comets open the 2019 season on June 6, when they take on the Chicago Bandits – with assistant coach Lance McMahon in the Bandits' dugout - in Rosemont, Ill., at Parkway Bank Sports Complex. Cleveland's home opener will take place on June 12, against the Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois, at Sprenger Stadium in Avon, Ohio.
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