Softballer delivers for Australia and in her work as Uber Eats driver

Australian softballer Ellen Roberts’ journey to the Olympics involves a lot of hard work and delivering on — and off — the pitch.

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Softballer Ellen Roberts is someone who can deliver on and off the field — literally.

On it this Australian squad member can pitch a ball faster than the speed limit on my NSW highways.

Off it she works delivering food for Uber Eats in-between training and competition.

“I started doing it before I got a contract to play in Japan and now I do it whenever I’m back at home,” Roberts said.

“I like to be efficient and make some money so I’m not eating into my savings. It give me gas money.”

Australian professional softballer Ellen Roberts trains hard and in her spare time delivers for Uber Eats. Picture: Troy Snook

For the rest of her time Roberts earns a living playing professional softball in Japan with a team based out of Ogaki, around a six hour drive from Tokyo.

“I pitch at anywhere between 105km/h to 110km/h. I’ve hit 112 once or twice,” she said.

“In softball speed is important but it’s also important to have good location and that we can spin the ball as well.”

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And while she is a hit on the field, when it comes to the language Roberts admits there is room for improvement.

“I play for Ogaki Minamo which is near Nagoya,” she said.

“I speak a little Japanese. I bet by on the field an I know how to order a coffee, which is important.

“I am studying Japanese in the mornings and in my down time,’’ she said.

“I’d love to be better by the Tokyo Olympics.”

Softballer Ellen Roberts in action for Australia. Roberts is chasing a spot at the Tokyo Games in 2020.

Australian softball players Stacey Porter, Taylah Tsitsikronis, Stacey McManus, Kaia Parnaby, Ellen Roberts and Tarni Septo at the launch of a new series earlier this year. Picture: Brett Costello

Roberts started playing softball with the Thornleigh club as a five-year-old and 22 years on is vying for a spot when softball makes its long-awaited return onto the Olympic program in 2020.

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“All through my junior career softball was in the Olympics and then it got dropped,” she said.

“It was such a disappointment to know it was gone in 2012 and again in 2016. It was heartbreaking.

Softballer Ellen Roberts also plays with a professional team in Japan.

“So for me the big goal is getting to Tokyo.”

Stage one of this for Roberts and the team is qualifying Australia a spot.

“We have a big job to do before we even get there (to Tokyo).

“We just have to be at our best for the Shanghai qualifier from September 24 to 29.”