This Saturday 4th of January, National Championship softball returns to Victoria with the Under 16 Boys’ and Girls’ events.

Both teams are aiming to capitalise off the home turf advantage at Jells Park, Waverley, in front of friends and family. Adding another element to an already incredible opportunity for Victoria’s squads.

Boys Head Coach Robbie McMahon, said that focusing on the fundamentals has been the key in tournament’s lead up.

“We started back in September with a six-week program in strength and conditioning, to try and see where the players fitness levels are at and build that core,” he said.

“But over the past few weeks, we have focused on the fundamentals, skill levels and mental pressure.”

“I’ve been with the group for three years now, so I’ve been able to mould them, and now we’re ready to put everything to the test.”

Preparing the group for the vigour of a weeklong event has been a key emphasis in the boys’ training regime.

“With our training workload we’ve focused on game awareness, putting them under fatigue and pressure. We’ve been lucky enough to have our two assistant coaches who have been able to cover more ground.” McMahon said.

“This year we’re playing seven innings games that can go up to 2-3 hours, so we have tried to make sure the boys can mentally cope.”

“The Men’s State League has been fantastic this year, most of the boys have played in that on a Thursday night, which for a young group is pretty good.”

Most of the players competed at last year’s Under 15’s Regional Championships where Victoria finished runners up. McMahon believes player retention, excellent depth, and the home Victorian fans, will hold the team in great stead to go one step better.

“We have four new inclusions for battery, extra pitchers and guys that can field in different positions, which we’re lucky to have.”

“I feel the entire team are ready to have a big tournament, Jye Robinson won the MVP last year and played in under 18’s nationals last month, he’s had a few weeks to refresh and is now ready to contribute to our team.” 

“Luke Russell is one of our up and coming pitchers, he’s one of our younger players but has a fantastic work-ethic, and loves the sport. Noah Cooney is a natural born leader and is ready to showcase his skills.”

“It’s nice to play at home and have family and siblings coming to watch. While some may say it’s added pressure – I think it’s the opposite – playing in front of familiar faces will hopefully push us one step further!”

Shane Goodall, Head Coach of the Girls team, said that retaining several players is an exciting way to build from last year’s results.

“As a team the first goal we set was to play on the last Friday of the tournament (the grand final). But also we have internal goals for the girls, in terms of various fitness and skills related tests we run with them, so we can measure their growth,” Goodall said.

“We only have four girls who are brand new to the team and we have retained 11 girls which is really handy.”

While training started with building the groups fitness levels, as the tournament has drawn nearer, the focus has shifted on ensuring the team’s prepared for an enduring week of competitive softball.

“We’ve seen these girls have all the hand-eye coordination and all the athleticism that they need to be successful. The process has been to ensure they can prepare themselves for situations they’re going to encounter in competition.”

“Our big element is that these girls have the skill, but preparing them is going to be the biggest difference between a middle of the table team, and being alive on the last day of the week.”

“We also hope the top-age girls who are moving into Under 18’s next year, transition with the knowledge required to be competitive players straight away.”

Goodall couldn’t hold back his excitement at the thought of showcasing a number of the group’s players on the national stage, in front of home fans.

“Two girls with the bat we’re looking forward to seeing perform are Karri Pritchard and Kasey Smith. Kasey was hugely important in that Under 15 team last year and their success, we hope to see that be a big influence on her hitting.”

“We have a big pitching group consisting of Holly Reynolds, Kiara Rhind-Luke and Angelina Kichakov – which will give us plenty of confidence.”

“Karri (Pritchard) is our Captain, with Angelina (Kichakov) and Keira McLaverty in the leadership group – both having played in the Aussie International Friendship series team in July.

“Their experience is huge in knowing some of our opposition and what the rigger of a week-long tournament against the top players in the country will be like.”

Goodall is thrilled to have nationals softball return to Victoria and encourages the community to come along and show their support for the athletes and the event.

“It’s the first time in almost 10-years Victoria has hosted a nationals, we want so many people to come out, cheer and support us, because every year we head interstate and we feel like the away team,” he said.

“If you play with our players, or coach them, please come out and support and make the girls and boys feel welcome playing at home. It’s going to be massive!”

Team lists:

View U16 Boys’ resources HERE.

View U16 Girls’ resources HERE.

Visit our exclusive U16 Nationals webpage for more information HERE.

Stay tuned to Softball Victoria’s website and associated social media channels for updates from the action at Waverley.