The infielder Hailey Breakwell, who graduated in the Idaho State University, will join the White Sox team to take part in the Down Under Fastpitch Classic in Sydney on 5th February. Breakwell was born in The United States, but her father is a Kiwi and she has decided to become a part of the New Zealand national softball team.
An interesting fact is that her father, Peter Breakwell is a famous show-jumper. He even participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, representing New Zealand.
Hailey’s grandmother, cousins and uncles still live in Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North.
‘The selection in The White Sox’ squad gives me the opportunity to represent New Zealand while playing softball at the highest level. It is an honour to be able to represent this country while being able to further my career playing the game I love,’ said Breakwell.
But, she wasn’t the only happy person with this decision. The head coach of The White Sox, Kevin Gettins was quite delighted of Hailey’s declaration for the nation.
‘She’s a specialist shortstop, who plays a bit of third base and was a solid hitter for her school team. I spoke to her coaches and they were very complimentary about her as a player and a person’, Gettins said.
Here is the squad of the New Zealand women national team: Shannon Hearne (WA, Australia), Pania Monk, Beth Stavert, Gillian Wills, Jennifer Feret, Rebecca Bromhead, Stefanie Trutanic (Auckland), Katrina Nukunuku, Rita Hokianga, Mel Gettins, Kurarora Ratu-James, Charlotte Pointon (Hutt Valley), Mereana Makea (Wellington), Ancelle van Molendorff, Hailey Breakwell (California, USA).
Trutanic has recently married a New Zealander and has also been included in the White Sox’ squad. She can play at top level on each position on the field and that’s why Gettins called her in the squad. Pania Monk and Mereana Makea are going to make their debut for New Zealand national softball team. Jennifer Feret and Rita Hokianga will be the frontline pitchers in Sydney. Ancelle van Molendoff of Auckland has recently been in an impressive form and that’s why she is selected by the head coach. Charlotte Pointon and Kurarora Ratu-James have been recalled in the squad and will take part in the competition.
Despite many of Gettins’ first choice players are on scholarships in the United States, the head coach is happy that he has lots of quality players with equivalent skills. He can easy replace the missing players.
