Starting later this month, Line Drive Softball will spotlight top 18U teams across the country and today we’re going to head to the Carolinas to look at the Bandits NC Premier 18U team which is led by coaches Jessep Polk and Tori Polk.

The Bandits NC Fastpitch program was founded by President & Director Gary Simpson.

Here’s a closer look at this year’s team...

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Team Name: Bandits Elite Premier 18U – Polk/Simpson

Home City/ST:

Rock Hill, S.C.

Background:

The Bandits combined the best of Carolina Elite and Bandits NC orgs to create a competitive organization with 10 teams ranging from ages to 10U to 18U and also includes a 23U College Team.

Coach’s Comments:

“This team may not be comprised of all Power 4 kids like other teams out there, but this team is built on really strong players that play together and work harder than any other team that I have seen.”

“The current roster has three D1 commits to the Big South Conference, three D2 commits to highly competitive programs, and some of the top 2027 and one of the top 2028s in the Carolinas.”

“This is a group that draws a lot of eyes and coach interest when they play because of their passion for the game and intensity in which they root for each other’s success.”

— Coaches Polk & Simpson

Where to Watch This Summer:

Summer 2025 here we come! 🥷 pic.twitter.com/lCslGvhmnk

— Bandits Elite Premier - Polk/Simpson (@BEP_Polk) February 4, 2025

 Top Results & Accomplishments:

• 2024 Team BA: .347
• 2024 Team Fielding %: .950
• 6th play at TCS Summer Nationals 2024
• Bracket winner and Runner up in multiple local high level showcases
• Pool winner in Fall Show me the Money ATL 2024

Team Strengths:

The Bandits Elite team has the drive to show that despite not having the highest profile schools on the profile sheet that they can compete and beat anyone. They play as a team and are incredibly coachable. They pride themselves on great defense, but they can swing the bats as well.

Players to Watch

*** Mia Kovacs C/OF, 2026 (USC Upstate commit)
Mia is a two-time 4A state champion catcher with Catawba Ridge High School in Fort Mill, S.C.

*** Madden Glossner IF, 2026 (Belmont Abbey commit)
Madden has been a Scenic City All-Star selection, a Boombah All American and is pursuing a degree in Pre-Med.

*** Sarah Owens P/1B, 2026 (Winthrop commit)
Sara is a two-time Class 1A state champion pitcher with insane power at the plate and dominance on the mound.

*** Lilly Smith P/1B, 2026 (Wingate commit)
Lily is a great athlete going to one of the top D2 programs in the country to be a two-way player.

*** Adah Bruning IF, 2025 (Limestone signee)
Adah is one of the top 2025 IF in South Carolina with All-Region honors every year since the 7th grade.

*** Jamison Noonan P, 2025 (Furman signee)
Jamison is coming off ACL surgery but is already back to sitting at 61-to-63 mph and is going to make an impact at Furman quickly.

*** Livi Warren OF/1B, 2026 (Gardner Webb commit)
Livi is one of the best left-handed, non-slapping hitters in South Carolina.

*** Evie Montgomery MIF/UT, 2026 (Northwest Florida State commit)
Evie is an incredibly agile middle infielder going to a top 5 JUCO in the country.

*** Caroline Petroff OF, 2026 (uncommitted)
One of the top uncommitted outfielders in the North Carlina, Caroline has a great blend of power, speed, and instincts.

*** Emilee Lessmeister OF/1B, 2027 (uncommitted)
Emilee is a top 2027 in South Carolina with numerous schools following her career closely and eager for Sept 1.

Final Word:

“This group is incredibly close and spends lots of time off the softball field at tournaments together. One of the great things about the team is most of the girls live within an hour of each other. They treat each other like family and pursue greatness as one unit.” – Coaches Polk & Simpson