The next generation of softballers coming through Queensland looks bright as they take the pitch in Cairns
Queensland best junior softballers will flock to Cairns to take part in the National School Sports Softball Championships beginning on Sunday.
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Cairns will welcome up the best junior softballers for the National School Sports Softball Championships.
Running from Sunday through to Thursday, teams from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland will take part in both the girls and boys under 12s competition.
Below are five of the players from the Queensland girls side who are starring as the next generation for Queensland Softball.
Name: Paige Poustie
School: Frenchville State School (Rockhampton)
Position: Pitcher, Short Stop
Coach’s Comment:
“What truly sets Paige apart is her composure on the plate. Under pressure, she remains focused and resilient, displaying leadership and maturity well beyond her years. I have no doubt she has the potential to become a standout player at these championships, and I’m excited to see her continued growth and success on the field.”
For the past five years, the journey of young softball pitcher Paige Poustie has been filled with dedication, growth, and ambition.
Starting out as a beginner with a love for the game inspired by her older brother, she quickly realised that pitching was where she belonged.
Twice a week, Paige hits the field for intense training sessions, working on form, strength, and mental resilience.
Weekends are dedicated to games, where every pitch is a chance to test her skills under pressure.
Paige sees each training session and game as a stepping stone toward her bigger dream of one day representing Australia in the Olympics.
Name: Olivia Cherry
School: Mount Warren Park State School (Mount Warren Park, South Brisbane)
Position: Pitcher, Second Base
Coach’s Comment:
“We selected Olivia as a 10 year old last year as we could see her natural talent. Over the past year, Olivia has gone away and reflected on her experience last year. Training four times a week, with two sessions specifically focused on pitching, ensures steady progress in mastering the techniques of both positions. Olivia’s intense schedule demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving her goal of one day becoming a top-level player.”
Olivia’s softball journey began as a family affair, with an older sister already involved in the game, the decision to give it a go seemed natural.
Two years later, Olivia has developed a strong passion for the sport, focusing on pitching and playing second base.
With sights set on a future in competitive softball, Olivia dreams of making an Australian team while still in school.
This ambitious goal drives her efforts both on and off the field, combining a focus on skill development with a love for the game.
Name: Kira Russell
School: AB Paterson College (Arundel)
Position: Short Stop, Second Base
Coach’s Comment:
“As a returning player from 2023, Kira is a senior member of our team who brings a fountain of knowledge and a positive attitude to every game. She just loves sport and that is evident in the energy she brings to our team.”
When her school needed more players for her sister’s team, Kira decided to put up her hand and give it a go because she loved the competitiveness and style of the game.
Ever since then, she hasn’t looked back.
“What I enjoy most about softball is how dynamic it is. There are so many different aspects to the game, and you’re always involved, no matter what position you play.”
As a versatile athlete, Kira enjoys competing in a variety of sports, including tennis, swimming, soccer, baseball, and softball.
“Right now, I’m not focused on specialising in just one because I love them all. My goal is to continue competing at a high level in each of my chosen sports.”
Name: Kyah Malo
School: Morayfield East State School (Morayfield)
Position: Pitcher, 1st Base
Coach’s Comments:
“Kyah is a ray of sunshine on our team. She gives her best to everything she does and I can certainly see a bright future for her. For someone so young, she shows a maturity well beyond her years and has the skills to match.”
Four and a half years ago, young Kyah’s softball journey began when she went to Redcliffe with her family for a fun day out and to try something new.
What began as a simple outing has now become a true expression of who Kyah is.
“Softball allows me to show who I really am. I love playing and I love encouraging and supporting others along the way.” Kyah said.
“Both of my older sisters proudly represented Queensland in the 10 -12 years softball championships when they were younger.
“I was lucky enough to make the team when I was just 10 years old and now, my dream is to follow in their footsteps, have a fantastic tournament and learn lots of new skills so that I can represent Queensland again, and, one day, wear the green and gold for Australia.”
Name: Tigi Lien-Jenkins
School: Trinity Lutheran College (Ashmore)
Position: Catcher, 1st Base
Coach’s Comments:
“As the baseball academy director at a Brisbane School it is great to see Tigi incorporating her baseball skills on the softball diamond. She is driven to improve herself and is not afraid to asks questions. Tigi is exactly the kind of athlete a coach dreams of having on their team.”
Initially starting out in baseball, Tigi realised that softball shared many of the same skills but offered a fresh challenge, prompting her to trial for her South Coast Region.
Tigi trains twice a week with her team, sharpening skills and teamwork.
In addition to team practices, Tigi dedicates time to training independently with her Dad, whose constant encouragement inspires her to strive for excellence and push her limits.
Looking ahead, Tigi has big dreams: she aspires to travel to the United States, where she hopes to play college ball while pursuing a degree in marine biology.
The combination of athletic and academic goals fuels her motivation both on the field and in the classroom. With a clear vision and a supportive foundation, Tigi is determined to make her mark in both sports.
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Originally published as The next generation of softballers coming through Queensland looks bright as they take the pitch in Cairns
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