These days, rep "A" girls softball coaches are as much sales reps as they are mentors of the game.
A competitive environment on and off the diamond was created a number of years ago when Softball B.C. decided to allow cross boundary players for "A" ball with no limitations. No longer could associations post tryout dates for their elite rep teams and expect the top players to just show up. Coaches had to "sell" their programs.
Richmond Islanders 98A coaches Briana Adams and Jessica Mack have not only have been successful in keeping a core of local talent in intact, they have been able to attract players from as far away as Victoria and North Vancouver. The end result is the team enjoying another successful season as it prepares for the upcoming provincial championships in Surrey and the Canadian Fastpitch Open at Softball City.
"We got lucky a couple of years ago when we went to nationals and picked up some players," explained Adams. "It proved to be a real positive experience and they enjoyed our team environment and the camaraderie among the girls.
We also have a reputation of always being a competitive team and that's really important too.
"Unfortunately for our two Victoria girls, their age group team didn't have enough players to continue and there weren't many (Vancouver Island) options so they were looking for something else. It's a huge commitment from both of them and lucky for us they are a pitcher and a catcher."
Amazingly, the Island "imports" play the majority of mid-week games thanks to terrific support from team parents who are willing to pickup and drop-off the girls at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. They also stay with their Richmond teammates for weekend tournaments.
The expectations bar was set high this season with the hope of representing B.C. at the U16 Bantam Nationals in Brampton, ON. The injury bug bit the team at the worse possible time and a short bench couldn't get the job done at the recent national qualifying tournament.
Richmond failed to land one of the three berths up for grabs and now will turn its attention to finishing the season on a strong note at provincials (July 25-27) and the Canadian Open (July 11-16) which is an invitational tournament.
This marked the first year there has been a national qualifier. Typically it goes to the top finishers at provincials "I don't think even the teams that qualified are very happy with this format," said Adams. "Typically you are starting your season in February/March with the aim being to peak for provincials (in late-July), not the first weekend of June.
"We ran into injury trouble and our best effort didn't get the job done. We were all very disappointed. Nationals is where we all wanted to be and we knew we were not going with still two months left in our season. But we're really pleased with how well the girls have responded. Now our goal is to medal at provincials and have a good showing at the Canadian Open."
Adams grew up in the Richmond Islanders rep system and played up to the senior "A" level before retiring last season. Mack also was a standout in the
Islanders' organization and played collegiately in the U.S. The process of providing opportunities for their players to potentially continue their careers at a school north or south of the border has already begun. The Islanders attended a showcase tournament in Las Vegas this season and the Canadian Open has always been well-attended by college programs. A number of players will also be heading south for an upcoming prospects camp in Centralia WA.
Extra innings...Richmond Girls Softball Association will be hosting the Provincial U19 "C" Championships, starting Friday at London Park. The 16-team event features two local entries - Richmond Attitude and Richmond Panthers.
