Successful
players and coaches were recently advised of their inclusion in the 2017
Emeralds Futures program. The program aims to provide ongoing player and coach
performance and pathway development opportunities designed to provide the
greatest number of Australian female baseballers with the best opportunities to
reach their peak performance.
Initially
the players will be provided with a mentor who is a current Emerald, and
coaches will also be provided mentors from within Australia's coaching ranks.
The program will kick off from 1 January, with Emeralds Head Coach Wearne
wanting to start the year on the right foot.
"I
want to provide as many female baseballers as I can the opportunity to be the
best they can be.” Wearne said.
“We have
designed this program to provide individual growth and expose the players to
the culture we are trying to develop including commitment, mental toughness and
selflessness."
For the
players, not only does the program involve mentoring, they will be also provided
with a very important insight into the culture of the Emeralds and the
expectations of a player on the national team. They will have access to information
sharing resources, individual analysis of their game and many other invaluable
opportunities to help them grow as a player and person.
Player
mentor Bronwyn Gell, one of the longest standing members of the Emeralds had
this to say about the program.
"This
is a great initiative.” Gell said.
“I had
great mentors as a young player and their support and guidance made a
significant difference. I am honoured for the opportunity to give back to the
Emeralds program and watch the next generation grow and blossom."
Coaches
will be provided with their own opportunities, resource sharing, workshops and
the opportunity to be in and around the players in the Futures program.
The program
will be initially run up to the end of April 2017.
Any player
or coach who has not been notified of the outcome of their application should
contact Narelle Gosstray on narellegosstray@gmail.com.