Wellington, NZ - Mike Roberts appointed WSX Pitching Coach
Softball New Zealand is pleased to announce Mike Roberts as the New Zealand White Sox Pitching Coach for the tour of North America in July.
Roberts an expat who applied his craft in the US college system since 2000 is excited about the opportunity to be part of the New Zealand women's team.
"I'm looking forward to coaching with Kevin and Tony. My relationship with Kevin goes back to my playing days when he played for Hawkes Bay and I was with Auckland. Tony caught for me back in the late 80s with Auckland United", say Roberts.
Head Coach Kevin Gettins targeted Roberts because of his extensive CV as a Head Coach and specialist Pitching Coach within the USA college system. This included working at the University of Oregon under fellow New Zealander and Head Coach Mike White. At present Roberts is Assistant Coach with the University of Washington, a division one college based out of Seattle.
"It is truly an honour. It's going to feel good to be able to share some of the knowledge and skills I have accumulated over the last 40 years as a player and coach with some of New Zealand's best women's softball talent.
When I am looking to win at the highest level, there are championship standards that have to be met. Whether it be spot percentage or ball to strike ratio, I want to make sure the pitchers understand the importance of these standards. I will support them in their pursuit of these championship standards" says Roberts.
The White Sox will undertake their campaign by competing at the prestigious World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City, 5-10 July before heading to Vancouver, Canada for the World Championships, 15-24 July.
Ratu-James withdrawals from White Sox
Kuraroa Ratu-James has withdrawn from the White Sox team to attend the World Championships for personal reasons. Kuraroa's replacement will be non-travelling reserve Tyneesha Houkamau who is playing college softball for Colorado Misa in the USA. Nita Hickey (Auckland ) who had outstanding performances at the Southern Cross Challenge moves onto the non-travelling reserves.
Cheers, Glen
Glen Roff - Softball Manager
Softball New Zealand
m: 021537082 | p: 04 5600389
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New Zealand Black Sox World Champions: 76, 84, 96, 00, 04, 13
New Zealand White Sox World Champions: 82
New Zealand Junior Black Sox World Champions: 85, 89
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