You can hear the excitement and pride in Leanne Spanza鈥檚 voice as she talks about the Okanagan Elite U15b girls softball team winning the 2024 Provincial Championships.
Spanza is the head coach.
鈥淲e have an amazing group of kids, my other coaches are fabulous, and the parent group is the core of it all,鈥� she said.
The championships were held in 91大黄鸭 over a scorching weekend (July 12-14) as Okanagan Elite beat Ridge Meadows 2-1 in the final game.
鈥淓verybody came together including our parents, to create cooling stations, feeding the kids and coaches,鈥� Spanza added.
The team has been together for three years, with players from Salmon Arm to West 91大黄鸭. Winning the provincials was a goal they set in Sept. 2023.
鈥淥ur team motto is 鈥楽tronger Together鈥� and winning the gold medal showcased how hard everybody worked and how they believed in that,鈥� Spanza explained.
The team has a 52-13 record this season and is the only B.C. squad to qualify for the US Western Nationals (July 23-28). Spanza said they couldn't attend because of participating in the BC and upcoming Western Canadian championships.
That tournament takes place in North Battleford, Saskatchewan Aug. 2-5 featuring teams from B.C., Alta., Sask., and Man. Spanza said they are looking for some help to get there.
鈥淚f anyone can help with donations for the team to represent the Okanagan and B.C. we鈥檇 be eternally grateful. We have some amazing community sponsors as well that support us.鈥�
Okanagan Elite Softball team members:
- Rae Bobye-Johnson;
- Emma Ward;
- Joni Paddock;
- Jessica Rands;
- Kiana Anderson;
- Amyla Rohatensky;
- Cedar Chiang;
- Camryn Hogg;
- Callie Clarke;
- Noah Hawrys;
- Lyla Stuart;
- Rylee Christie;
- Keira McClarty;
- Alyssa Keillor;
- Coaches - Leanne Spanza, Michelle Kirkbright, Jason Rohatensky.
Donation and sponsorship information is available on the .
