11-year-old Will Kent has had a very memorable year thus far. Not only did he get to participate in the Charter Player Development Program and play in the Charter State Championships, but he also headed to Lismore, NSW for the 2019 Australian Little League Championships. His performance at Nationals was impressive, so much so that he earned a spot on Australia’s U12 World Cup Team!
As the only Victorian named to the squad, Will is looking forward to representing his state and his country at the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s U12 Baseball World Cup, which will take place in Tainan, Taiwan from July 26 to August 4. He is one of 18 players on the roster, which was finalized following the Australian Little League Championships in June, and he’s very appreciative of this opportunity. “I’m most excited to wear green and gold representing Australia and meet new people while playing with a really good team,” Will said.
Playing against fellow junior baseball players from around the world will be an amazing experience for Will, who has played for Greenhills Montmorency and Melbourne Baseball Clubs and also participates in cricket and AFL. He says baseball is his favourite, having started tee ball at age 5, and he has big dreams for his future in sport. “I would like to make it to Triple A or the Major Leagues.”
To achieve those goals, Will must continue to practice and train hard, something he’s been doing all year in preparation for these big tournaments. He says he’s made improvements this year throughout his training and playing. “I’ve learned a lot. I feel stronger and fitter, and I’ve worked on my fielding, batting and throwing techniques,” Will said.
Will and his family are thankful for the Victorian development pathway that allowed for him to progress and achieve new things. He will always remember his first time playing in the National Championships last month. “It was really fun hanging out with all the boys and pitching on a mound.”
Not long after the Australian Little League Championships, Will had a sweet surprise for him waiting at home. The talented infielder sat down for dinner with his family when he was handed a letter informing him of his spot on the U12 World Cup roster.
“He just had this look of shock on his face and he read it again like he didn’t believe it,” Will’s dad Andrew said. “It was an amazing moment. We’re very proud.”
Will wasn’t expecting to make the squad as Eastern Athletics finished 12th in the tournament, but Team Australia officials had their eyes on the talented infielder. Now he’s busy hitting, throwing and running to prepare for the World Cup, even finding time for training on a recent family vacation to Hawaii.
Will names his father and coach as sources of inspiration, and he also looks up to his uncle and fellow Team Australia representative James Beresford. Plus, senior players like Mitch Ellis and Sam Kennelly are happy to help Will when he needs it. “I train with the seniors sometimes, so they usually help me with my hitting and give me some tips.”
His hard work is paying off, according to his dad who says he’s seen positive change and growth in his son over the past 12 months. “He’s really jumped ahead leaps and bounds, even from the State Tournament to the National Tournament,” Andrew said. “With the training we’re doing twice a week and the Charter Player Development Program, it’s really lifted him up a number of notches. He’s thinking more about his baseball, he’s stronger and fitter and knows how to warm up properly.”
Watching their son getting better and better in a sport he loves is so rewarding for his parents. “We didn’t even know there was an U12 Australian Team or a tournament, so it was a great surprise and we were very proud,” Andrew said. “I just hope he enjoys the sport as much as I have over the years, and works as hard as he can to achieve whatever is possible.”
Whether he makes it in the Majors or stays a local baseballer, Will’s parents will be so proud and happy for their son. “I want him to enjoy it all and develop the friendships I’ve made through it.”