The head coach of Lambton College's new women's softball team says it's important for female athletes to get the same opportunities as males.
In November, the Sarnia school announced it was putting together a varsity team to hit the field next fall, a few years after Lambton's men’s baseball team was introduced.
Greg Shortt told Sarnia News Today that he's very excited to be part of getting the women's program rolling.
"I do think a varsity program at Lambton College will be good for women's softball locally because it'll be a great opportunity for girls to continue to play softball at a competitive level. We often see participation in softball decline when girls go off to college or university."
Shortt said they've already had a few indoor workouts and that interest has been decent so far.
"It was a good opportunity for girls to get out and throw the ball around. We worked on hitting in the batting cages, some fielding fundamentals, and we had the pitchers throwing to catchers as well," he said. "What I'm hoping to see as the word spreads is that those girls that are in Grade 12 right now, who are thinking they might come to Lambton College next year, they're totally welcome to join us in the gym sessions."
Shortt said they'll continue indoor workouts before they can get on a ball diamond in the warmer months. He wants to field a team of about 15 players.
"Out of that, I'm hoping to have three or four pitchers to work with, a couple catchers, and the biggest thing is I want a group of girls that are going to be willing to learn, practice and play hard and be a good teammate," said Shortt. "We want to continue to attract interested players to build a competitive team. I still need to finalize my coaching staff, order uniforms and ensure that we've purchased all of the necessary equipment to get started."
James Grant and Greg Shortt of Lambton College. November 2021. (Photo by Lambton College)
Shortt, who has two daughters and is a self-proclaimed advocate for girls sports, has been coaching with the Wyoming Lady Wranglers since 2009.
"So I've been right there alongside my daughter with softball as well as hockey, and I just think it's important for females to have the same opportunities that the boys get."
Shortt grew up playing softball in Camlachie and was later given the opportunity to pitch in Australia for a season after he finished university.
Those interested in playing softball at Lambton College next year can email Shortt at greg.shortt@lambtoncollege.ca.
With files from Natalia Vega