22/07/2026
These girls deserve some recognition. π₯β€οΈ
At the Blacktown International, our Australian Under 14 Pathway team (the first one ever named from the first ever U14 squad), made up predominantly of 11, 12 and 13-year-olds, took on older, bigger and more experienced opposition, including talented players from the USA. Before we left, I told the girls I had no expectations around results - I simply wanted them to enjoy the experience, learn, and have a red-hot go ππ». Well, they certainly did exactly that! They showed courage, resilience and absolutely no fear. More importantly, they embraced the DFM philosophy of being βBetter than the time beforeβ. Every day they improved. Every day they learned. Every day they grew. One of the things I often say is that young athletes can borrow my belief until they have enough belief of their own. We keep filling their cup until it's full. This group took hold of that belief and ran with it.
As proud as I am of the girls, I'm also grateful for the opportunity to learn myself. After more than four decades in softball, this was my first tournament as a head coach, and it reminded me that no matter how long you've been in the game, there's always more to learn. I've had to take a step back from being physically involved in softball for a little while, so this experience was a special one. Everything I've learned, and everything I'm continuing to learn through this program, I can't wait to bring back to my DFM athletes.
My goal remains the same as theirs: Be better than the time before. These girls certainly were. Proud is an understatement. π