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Softballer Jeremy Garland earns spot in Australian under-17 softball squad

Local mates are what keeps this softball star’s feet on the ground

Jeremy Garland has qualified for the Australian under-17 softball team. Pictures: Angelo Velardo
Jeremy Garland has qualified for the Australian under-17 softball team. Pictures: Angelo Velardo

CRANEBROOK’S Jeremy Garland has been recognised as an international sporting talent, qualifying in January for the 2018 Australian Under 17s Softball Squad.

The latest Local Sport Star Award nominee currently plays for the Under 17s NSW Softball team, which won the national championships in Blacktown earlier this year.

NSW Softball Coach — and Dad - David Garland said the young athlete’s notable ability as a pitcher at the championships assisted his selection for the Australian team.

“Winning the nationals was a very proud moment for the entire team,” Mr Garland said. “As the pitcher in the final round, Jeremy was top-level, it was the best he has pitched in a long time.”

Jeremy is also part of the NSW squad which took out this year’s national championships
Jeremy is also part of the NSW squad which took out this year’s national championships

Mr Garland said he took pride in his son’s achievement as a coach, as well as a father.

“As a coach, teaching him over the years, I appreciate how he has been able to apply what he has been taught, he has evolved and that makes my job as coach rewarding,” he said.

The star pitcher, 16, trains up to four nights a week with the NSW team and his local club Penrith City Softball Association.

Despite his international success, Mr Garland said Jeremy most enjoys playing alongside his 12 club mates in his home team.

“He has great softball mates, and they all train hard together,” he said. “What they have created is more than a sports team, it’s a family.”

The awards are on until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categorie. Details: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/localsportsstars/softballer-jeremy-garland-earns-spot-in-australian-under17-nsw-softball-squad/news-story/bd4b7976ecdd21297c3fc6bfb3b045f7