Softball on the rise in Bass Coast

SOFTBALL is growing in Bass Coast.
Bass Coast Softball welcomed around 40 interested players of all ages to its five-week program at the Bass Recreation Reserve recently.

The Spotlight on Softball Series culminated in its final session last Friday, supported by Bass MLA Jordan Crugnale.

Essential skills such as striking, throwing, catching, fielding, running, strategic thinking and teamwork were covered throughout the program. 

The series encouraged children from age three to adults to come along and give softball with a go, with the aim of starting a Summer of T-Ball and Softball competition from October to March.
Participation coordinator Jo Schutt said the objective is to launch the sport locally for those interested in the game.

“We see lots of children playing softball for their schools, but they don’t have the opportunity to play outside of school unless they travel to Melbourne,” she said.

“We’re trying to encourage as many people as we can to come along and have a go.”

Bass Coast has already seen local softballers reach amazing heights, with two representatives heading interstate in July.

Gemma Shumack was selected for the U14 Victoria State Team, which will compete in the Regional Championships in Queensland. Gemma was previously part of Bass Valley Primary School’s representative team, which won the School Sport Victoria State T-Ball Championship.

She also represented Casey Softball Association in the U14 Softball Victoria State Championships in April.

Her determination and success have been a testament to what can be achieved locally and has helped to establish the incentive for setting up a softball association in Bass Coast.
Ms Crugnale has made a contribute towards Gemma’s travel expenses.

“Where I can, I love being able to support our local kids to have the experience to participate in these national competitions, represent our community and state, and have the opportunity to excel in their chosen field,” she said.

“Travel and associated costs can be totally prohibitive, and I want to thank Gemma, her family, Softball Victoria and those around them for their fundraising efforts. Gemma will have an amazing time and bring all those learnings and experiences back to her local community.”

Ms Crugnale said travel grants are available to athletes representing Victoria, but these don’t always coincide with the event itself.  

Melony Grand-Court has also taken fantastic strides, having been selected for the 2023 Over 35 Women’s National Championships.

This tournament will take place in Blacktown, New South Wales, from July 5 to 9.

Melony has played softball for 19 years and recently raised her hand to become Bass Coast Softball’s vice president.

She has represented Waverly for many years, represented Victoria and ACT, attended college in Florida on a softball scholarship, and is a wonderful role model for aspiring players.

With the support of the Big Connect project, Softball Victoria is looking forward to presenting more opportunities for the grassroots sport in Bass Coast and is now looking for community members who wish to play, coach, score or volunteer to support a future association. 
Those who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to email Jo via jo.schutt@softball.org.