At Saturday’s Softball Victoria AGM, six members were recognised with Merle Short Service Awards.

These Service Awards are bestowed upon volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding service within the softball community.

Named in the honour of Merle Short, who was a long serving representative of Softball Victoria beginning in the early 1950's, when she served the Association in multiple administrative roles.

On behalf of the wider softball community we congratulate the following members on being recognised for their valued contribution to our sport: Belinda Ainslie, Deb Ainslie, George Psimaris, Jason Kriehn, Trevor Murphy, & Val Baxter. 

BELINDA AINSLIE

Belinda has maintained a strong sense of commitment and loyalty to softball at Sunshine Softball Association, Waverly, Moorabbin and Melbourne Associations spanning over 30 years.

Belinda is currently still making contributions at both a local and state level, and has consistently worked as a passionate, invaluable volunteer for the good of softball.

She has poured her heart and soul into supporting junior development for Softball Australia and Victoria, Western Zone and her current club of Deer Park in the Sunshine Association as a coach, administrator and player. Belinda is super organised and continuously works behind the scenes in coaching and administrative roles to organise her teams on and off the diamond.

DEB AINSLIE

Deb has represented, volunteered and supported many clubs during her involvement with softball. She has been a loyal player, coach, administrator and representative of Sunshine, GEMSA, Melbourne and Waverly Softball Associations.

She has volunteered on committees and offered her expertise in technical skills and the development of junior players at a local, school and state level.

For over two decades, Deb has maintained a strong sense of commitment and loyalty to the sport, currently with Sunshine but also Softball Victoria and School Sports Victoria.

From the countless hours of volunteering, to the passion for sharing her time and expertise, Deb is a very worthy recipient for this esteemed award.

GEORGE PSIMARIS

George has played softball since he was 10 years old, commencing with the Birralee Club before representing Geelong every year since – when Geelong has had a team in his age group.

George advanced to represent Victoria in U16, U19 and Open state teams and is still a member of the Open Victorian Men's team until this day.

He has taken on the role of coach at the Geelong Cougars State League team, and commits to the role despite not being a resident of the Geelong region.

George also represents the Cougars on the Victorian State League committee, where he puts the best interests of Geelong Softball at the forefront.

JASON KRIEHN

Jason has been involved in softball as a player and volunteer since 1996. He has represented Werribee as a player at both junior and senior levels since 1999, before representing Victoria on 7 occasions in both juniors and senior teams.

Jason’s true passion lies in local sport, where he has taken Hawks Fastpitch Softball to the next level in recent years as Club President.

In addition to being an umpire and scorer, Jason was instrumental in taking Hawks Fastpitch to Victorian Club of the year in 2019 and third in Australia.

His tireless work and genuine passion for the club was reflected in the Hawks’ membership increase of 61% in 2019.

TREVOR MURPHY

Trevor contribution to the sport has been extensive over the past three decades.

Always someone to give back, Murph as he’s known has given at all levels of the sport from club, association and state level.

His knowledge and volunteer experience stretches to all aspects of the sport from playing, scoring, umpiring, and committee work.

From working bees to canteen duties, to team managing and umpiring, Trevor often performs multiple duties and currently holds the positions of Werribee President, State Director of Umpiring and Western Force Zone Coordinator.

A true ambassador for softball administrators, he demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work and a genuine love of the game.

VAL BAXTER

Val has been a member of Werribee Softball Association for 25 years and in this time she has contributed a great deal to softball.

She commenced her involvement with the Altona Softball Club before becoming a founding member of the Western Vipers in 2014, serving as an Executive of the club holding various roles from President to Secretary.

She is always a regular volunteer helping with canteen duties, umpiring duties, event administration and communications in positions with the Werribee Memorial Shield organising committee and the SV Events committee.

Val has assisted with the preparation of every State, Zone and Masters tournaments over the past 4 years. At times these roles are done in addition to her various Club and Association positions.

Val is a dedicated softball member who is deeply respected within the grassroots of the sport.