The State Team Committee has appointed Peter Donohue to the role of U16 Girls Head Coach and Tony Black to the role of U14 Girls Head Coach. 

U16 Girls Head Coach Peter Donohue has shared in success as a coach at both club and state level for over 20 years, having coached multiple Victorian teams to Nationals glory.  

He was notably Head Coach of Victoria’s U16 Boys’ 2004 and 2009 championship teams, and U19 Men’s champions in 2006 and 2011 respectively.  

Having been appointed as Assistant Coach for the cancelled 2021 Nationals campaign, he has now been selected as Head Coach for 2022. 

Peter is no stranger to Victorian softball – in 2012 he was appointed as Senior Coaching Advisor, a position that involved being Chairman of selectors for all Victorian male teams and mentoring all state coaches in their preparation for National Championships. 

Peter will be joined by assistant coaches Craig Kneebone, Luke Donohue and Sharni Athur. 

In the U14 Girls’ team, Tony Black’s appointment as Head Coach adds to an already impressive resume, built over 20 years in the sport:  

• Current head coach of softball at St Catherine’s in Toorak. 

• Ten years coaching at St Michaels Grammar.  

• Nine years coaching SSV U12 Girls Victorian Team.  

• Coached and run U12, U14 and U16 Girls’ SV development academies.  

• Previous U17 boys state team assistant coach.  

• Level 4 Softball coach.  

Tony believes his approachable coaching style, enjoyment of the game, focus on fundamentals, and emphasis on athlete retention and progression means he is well suited to lead the U/14 Girls team. 

Whilst always focused on trying to win games, Tony’s coaching philosophy is also based on encouraging enjoyment in the sport, so players return the following year and progress to future levels of competition while developing their skills. 

Kerry Laird and Justin Zelones will support Tony as assistant coaches in the U14 Girls team. 

In the U16 Boys’ program, Bernie McDonald has been added to the team as Assistant Coach. 

Bernie has coached at all age levels, and is eager to use his expertise to build team skills, self-motivation, and encourage communication and experimentation within the group.