In an example of tremendous loyalty, Belinda played more than 700 games for the one softball club – the Sturt Falcons.
Whenever that day comes when a competitor steps down from traveling the world as an elite athlete, normally there are many and varied reasons behind the decision.
But one trait common to most athletes is the way they started. It couldn’t have happened without the time, support, encouragement, and guidance of parents.
And Belinda White wanted to say thank you on the day she retired.
“Words will never be able to express how grateful and honoured I am for the opportunity to play a sport I absolutely love and to be able to represent my country.
“After 13 years – 4 world championships, 2 qualifiers, 1 Olympics and many many more tours, it’s finally time for me to take a step back from international softball.
“Thank you to Softball Australia, all my coaches and all the players I have had the privilege of playing alongside. You have all played a part in my journey and making me the person I am today.
“And most importantly thank you to my parents. You have been my biggest support, and I appreciate everything you have done for me.”
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will remain a huge highlight experience, despite the Aussie Spirit finishing outside of the medals.
But the personal highlight came at the 2012 Women’s World Championships in Canada, just one year after playing her first senior international game.
It was against the world’s best players that the 24-year-old earned the Catcher of the Tournament recognition.
With Belinda White outstanding behind the plate, Australia defeated Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rica and the Netherlands in the preliminary rounds – but ultimately lost the gold medal game to the US 0-3.
It was a brilliant result, and Belinda White was the outstanding catcher of the world cup.
Sustaining her form, a year later at the 2013 Canadian Open International Fastpitch Championship she was also selected into the Tournament All Star Team.
Debuting at the 2011 Canada Cup as Australia’s # 264 player, after playing in the US at Troy university in Alabama for two years, Belinda White suited up for the Spirit a remarkable 174 times, in games and championships played all around the world.
In an example of tremendous loyalty, she also played more than 700 games for the one softball club – the Sturt Falcons.
Bibliography:
Quotes Courtesy of Softball Australia (softball.org.au)
