Softball FNQ: 17 rising stars tipped for big seasons

The new Softball FNQ season gets under way tonight and we’ve taken a look at 17 of the rising stars who are destined for big things this season. Do you agree with the list?

The 2021-22 Softball Far North Queensland season gets under way this Friday night, with teams back in action at Edmonton’s Walker Road Sporting Precinct.

It doesn’t seem long since Red Sox lifted the trophy back in March, and the reigning champion will be determined to defend its title when it takes on old and new rivals this summer.

Five teams will contest the senior women’s competition, with Hawks, Hooters and Red Sox, who will again enter two teams, all returning to the top division, while a Far North Queensland under-18 development side will replace Stawkers, which was a combined side made up of players from three clubs.

Here are 17 players tipped to do big things this season.

MIA BENDER

The up-and-coming catcher has represented Queensland on numerous occasions, with a strong work ethic making her hard to overlook.

Mia Bender. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

MILA BENDER

Mila has represented her state and was selected in an Australian youth side in 2019. She helps bring a competitive edge to the Red Sox.

Mila Bender. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

SASHA-MAY FLEGLER

A current Queensland under-16 representative, Flegler is a talented all-rounder who can play in the infield or outfield. She is also very strong with the bat.

ISABELLA GRACE

She might lack experience in high-pressure games but Grace is a very talented athlete and a versatile player who has a great future in the game of softball.

JACOB JUILLERAT

Juillerat will aim to keep improving after an impressive campaign at the under-16 state championships in Mackay last month.

HIRARI KURIHARA

A dual state representative at the under-23 and open level, Kurihara is among the best every time she takes the field.

Hirari Kurihara. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

SYREN LETIZIA

Now based in Brisbane, the Queensland under-23 representative is a chance to come up and make a few cameos during the season.

Syren Letizia. Picture: SUPPLIED

JAMES MINNIECON

An under-18s Queensland representative, Minniecon is a talented athlete not just in softball, but many other sports. He is known for putting the ball over the fence.

James Minniecon. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

JEORJAH MINNIECON

A quickly developing pitcher and a confident shortstop, Jeorjah was recently selected for the Queensland under-16 squad after a strong state championship campaign.

NGAIRE ROSS

One of the biggest improvers in Softball FNQ’s under-16 representative side, Ross has great enthusiasm.

GEORGETTE SANIA

A rising third base who is always looking for ways to improve, Sania represented FNQ in the under-16s state championships last month.

SAMPSON SANIA

Sania played at the recent under-18s state championships and has been selected to play in the inaugural Softball Queensland Super Series in Brisbane this weekend.

JASMINE SICHTER

A reliable first base/outfielder, Sichter had a strong campaign playing for FNQ at the under-18 state championships earlier this month.

Jasmine Sichter. Picture: Brendan Radke

MARVONTAY TOBY

The Red Sox pitcher was last season’s player of the final and will be looking to get back to her best as she returns from an ankle injury.

Marvontay Toby. Picture: Brendan Radke

KAYLA TURNER

A strong third base or outfielder, Turner was named the A-grade competition’s Most Valuable Player last season.

ZOE WATERS

A fast developing catcher and steady infielder, Waters has shown great progress in her development.

CHELSEA ZONTA

The developing catcher is making a name for herself as a big bomb hitter and looks ready for a breakout season.

Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below.

Originally published as Softball FNQ: 17 rising stars tipped for big seasons