University of Akron graduate Amelia Nemeth and her husband Alan Demaske were recently awarded ownership of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league’s Carolina Diamonds franchise.
“I am thrilled to be bringing professional softball to the Carolinas,” said Nemeth, a 1982 graduate of the university. “The excitement we hope to generate in the Carolinas is something both avid fans and the casual softball or baseball fans have been looking for. These ladies are fabulous athletes playing at the pinnacle of the game. It’s an honor to associate with the NPF, and have the opportunity to support women’s athletics.”
Nemeth graduated from The University of Akron with a bachelor's degree in science in accounting in 1982.
The Carolina Diamonds will officially begin play when the NPF season opens in early June. The team is slated to play its home schedule at various venues throughout the Carolinas during their inaugural year of competition. With the franchise agreement, the Carolina Diamonds obtain the rights to the former NPF Diamonds roster. This roster includes University of North Carolina standouts Danielle Spaulding (pitcher) and Brittany McKinney (catcher).
North Carolina has played host to professional fastpitch before with the former Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) League and the Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL) locating teams in both Durham (Durham Dragons) and Gastonia, N.C. through the seasons of 1997, 1998 and 1999.
University of Akron alumni and Akron residents can expect to see Nemeth’s team this season at Firestone Stadium, home of the Akron Racers.
For more information about the Akron Racers, visit www.akronracers.org or call (330) 376-8188.
RELATED STORIES
Legendary announcer Joe Tait visits Akron
Haven of Rest puts full court press on youth outreach
