Sluggers ready for WA

Four teenagers from Port Hedland have hit a home run, making the State softball team for their respective age groups.

The players will go up against the other states in January as part of the 2020 National Championships.

Mackayla Denney, who made the under-18 girls, said it was exciting, especially coming from Port Hedland.

“It was probably my dedication to the sport, and how much I love softball that separated me from others,” she said.

“Growing up in the Pilbara, I feel like we are raised with more grit, and we give it a fair go and don’t want anyone to beat us.”

Shortstop and centre fielder Kade Denney made the under-16 boys’ squad, and Josh Denney is part of the under-14 squad after playing just one season of softball.

Kade said he was looking forward to playing against other kids from around Australia and was hoping to make the national team.

Josh Denney said he thought his size and strength gave him an advantage, allowing him to throw further than other children in the team. “It’s great to be selected in my first year, and I’m hoping to get a medal and make the Australian team,” he said.

Chloe Glasson made the under-16 girls’ team and will travel to Melbourne for her competition in Waverley.

“Playing with the group of girls for the third time will be good, because we all know each other now and will gel better,” she said.

“The teams already have started training. We’ve been given a training program, and once school has finished I’ll be there training with the squad.”

The State championships take place across Australia in January, with the under-14 boys playing on January 12-18 at Hawker in the Australian Capital Territory.

Both the boys’ and girls’ under-16s will play from January 4-10 in Waverley, Victory, while the under-18 women's competition is to be held in Blacktown, New South Wales from January 19-25.