Tamieka Whitefield of Alexandra Hills has been chosen in the Aussie Spirit to compete at the XVI WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship.
That first game in Chiba, Japan, on August 2 will mark the start of the Spirit’s bid to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
In the lead up is a season of playing in the national Pro Fastpitch league in the US, which will give the 48 games of Spirit high-level competition ahead of the World Championship.
The winner of the Chiba tournament will be the first nation to claim a spot into the Tokyo 2020 Olympic softball competition. Hosts Japan have automatic qualification, so if Japan wins the World Championship the second-placed team will earn an Olympic berth.
Aussie Spirit Head Coach Fabian Barlow said preparation for the World Championship started soon after the team was selected.
“It’s a great moment in any athlete’s career to get the call-up to represent your country at a world championship,” Barlow says.
“For some it will be the first time and others it will be multiple times, but each time it is special. They need to be ready to hand themselves over to the team and work hard like never before, commit like never before and back themselves like never before.”
Whitefield, 19 said speed was key to her success and an area she was constantly aiming to improve.
“I enjoy being a bit of a utility. I love being able to play different positions and being thrown into wherever I’m needed. Outfield or infield, I enjoy them both.”
Coming from a softball family, Whitefield took up the game at age nine, playing at club level with the Scorpions in the Redlands Softball Association.
Stepping up from Junior Spirit to Open Women’s competitions at international level is significant.
“It’s definitely a massive step, but it’s a great opportunity,” Whitefield said.
Although some of the competing teams are well below Australia’s world ranking of four, Barlow said no team could be taken lightly.
“There are no easy games and you need to be ready and prepared to bring your A game every day, but that’s what you expect at a World Championship. I’m extremely comfortable the players that have been given this honour will stand up and accept the challenges that come with competing against the world’s best teams.”
Australia is one of 16 teams from the five Olympic continents have qualified for Chiba.