Softballer Nick Crouch sets sights on under-23 World Cup in Colombia

Softballer Nick Crouch has proudly represented his country in a World Cup qualifier series, now he’s determined to make it to the main event.

Rockhampton softballer Nick Crouch has his sights set on making the Australian team for the WBSC Under-23 World Cup in 2026.

A chance call-up saw Rockhampton’s Nick Crouch play his first softball game in his civvies at age 10.

Fast forward 11 years and he has established himself as one of the game’s most reliable outfielders.

He represented Australia at last month’s WBSC Under-23 Oceania Qualifier in New Zealand and is determined to wear the green and gold again, this time on softball’s biggest stage.

The Aussies will be out to defend their title at the World Cup in Colombia next year - and Crouch plans to be part of it.

Nick Crouch says it was an unreal experience representing Australia in New Zealand.

He will need another stellar performance for Queensland at the men’s nationals next February to lock in his place.

“The World Cup is what I’ve been training for for the last three years so it will be disappointing if I don’t make it,” Crouch said.

“There’s nothing like playing for your country, that’s the pinnacle.”

The highly regarded Frenchville Scorpions A-grader is still on a high after his trip across the Tasman.

He was joined by another Rockhampton product, Chad Charlesworth, who played with the Australian under-18 team in a tour designed to provide invaluable experience and growth for the country’s emerging talent.

Australian under-23 player Nick Crouch and Australian under-18 player Chad Charlesworth.

Crouch and his Aussie teammates took on New Zealand in a five-game series, with the home team getting up 3-2 to automatically qualify for the World Cup.

The withdrawal of American Samoa means Australia will go to the international tournament as Oceania’s second qualifier.

Crouch said that experience was fuelling his desire to make it to Colombia.

“I’ve played for Queensland but it’s different putting the Australian jersey on. I don’t know how to explain it, honestly,” he said.

“You go out on the field and they start singing the national anthem… you can’t believe it’s happening, it’s unreal.”

Crouch revealed that he had an interesting introduction to the sport at age 10.

“I was doing nothing on Saturdays because I wasn’t playing cricket anymore and my cousins played softball,” he said.

Rockhampton's Nick Crouch has been a regular in state softball teams.

“We went out and watched them and one day my dad’s friend asked if I would like to play because their team was short.

“I just ran on in normal dress clothes and from there, I signed up and started playing.”

Crouch proved a natural, making his first Queensland team just six months later.

While he initially played at short stop and second base, it was a future Queensland coach who would move him to the outfield, where he found his niche.

Crouch said his success was underpinned by hard work and the ability to master the mental side of the game.

“It’s a bit different with softball; because you don’t have to do as much fitness, it’s more about your mindset,” he said.

“You’ve got to be really switched on and you’ve got to back your ability.”

Originally published as Softballer Nick Crouch sets sights on under-23 World Cup in Colombia