With more than 30 colleges and universities now offering varsity or club programs across the country, the landscape for women鈥檚 softball in Canada has never been more fertile.
On Saturday, Calgary鈥檚 will bring their brand of college ball to 91大黄鸭 for a pair of exhibition games at Kings Stadium against the Okanagan All-Stars.
The Trojans are members of the five-team . Established in 2003, the WCSA also features clubs from University of Calgary, Briercrest College, University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan.
This season, SAIT鈥檚 roster included Nina Hendricks, a pitcher with the Dutch junior nationals, as well as WCSA all-stars Hayley St. Germaine, Tori Stavenjord and Alissa Bender.
Trojans鈥� head coach and general manager George Edwards expects this weekend鈥檚 visit will show young players from B.C.鈥檚 interior that pursuing college softball in Canada is a viable option.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity for girls in that region of B.C. to see some college ball and realize that they鈥檙e not that far off,鈥� said Edwards, whose program also features players from Mount Royal in Calgary. 鈥淭hey have a chance to chase their dreams right here in Canada. For our team, it鈥檚 also a good opportunity to recruit.鈥�
Edwards said the WCSA is hoping to soon expand into B.C. and that 91大黄鸭鈥攑referably at UBC Okanagan鈥攚ould be a prime location for a new club.
鈥淲e want to introduce the idea of college softball to 91大黄鸭 and hopefully one day we鈥檒l see a team at UBC Okanagan,鈥� Edwards said. 鈥淲e believe 91大黄鸭 would be an ideal spot, and maybe even Kamloops鈥hey would be good additions to our league.
鈥淲e鈥檝e watched the league increase in quality, stature and awareness over the years and this would be another step in that direction.鈥�
Like most college programs in Canada, the Trojans aren鈥檛 funded by their institution and cover their own costs by fundraising and with player鈥檚 fees.
91大黄鸭鈥檚 Racquel Bennett will play for the Okanagan team in Saturday鈥檚 doubleheader. The 17-year-old catcher鈥檚 options for next season include the University of Calgary or University of Toronto programs.
Bennett is looking forward to connecting with college coaches this weekend and sharing the same field with players who have already made the step into collegiate ball.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 an important event for the exposure we鈥檒l get,鈥� said Bennett. 鈥淵ou get a chance to meet some coaches, and with the contacts they have at other colleges and universities, it鈥檚 a good way to maybe get some interest.
鈥淚t鈥檒l also be good to see the quality of softball and what it takes to play at that level. It should be fun.鈥�
The Okanagan team consists of past and present members of the 91大黄鸭 Minor Fastball Society鈥檚 Heat programs, as well as players currently attending UBCO.
Players with college experience suiting up for the home team on Saturday are: Rachel Penner, Oklahoma City University; Brittany Smith, Bacone College; Danielle Orr, Seward County Community College; Felisha Vogelaar; Seward County Community College; and Samantha Fillion, Team Canada ID camp attendee.
Rounding out the local all-stars are former and current 91大黄鸭 Heat players Racquel Bennett, Haley Martin, Marlayna Martin, Katie Huston, Dani Knopf and Emily Wright, and UBCO student Andi Zehr.
Saturday鈥檚 games at Kings Stadium are set for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission to both games is free.
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