Faulconbridge softballer Alex Gutteridge has been selected for a national under 17s softball team.
The 17-year-old builder’s apprentice will head to Queensland in July for a development camp and the International Friendship Series.
It’s been a big year for the teen who has played in the under 17s and under 19s Penrith City rep team which won the 2017 state softball championships. He also captained the NSW under 17s team which won the Softball Australia National Championships in January.
Alex plays second base, a position he likes because of the speed at which he must react to the game.
“It’s my go-to position when trialling for teams. It’s my most comfortable position to play in,” he said.
“You’ve got to have a big range. You cover a fair bit of ground by yourself. You’ve got to be pretty quick.”
Alex has been playing softball for 10 years, six of which have been with Penrith Softball Club. He’s been part of the Western Sydney Academy of Sport for the past two years, which has increased his knowledge of the game and provided extra training opportunities.
“It’s not an easy game to play,” Alex said.
“In softball you have to be fast, quick, strong and mentally quick, with good hand-eye co-ordination.”
The former St Thomas Aquinas Primary and St Dominic’s College student said he was looking forward to the tournament in Queensland and making an impression in front of selectors who would be picking a team to contest the Softball World Championships next year.
“I’ll be focused on getting people out and just being there for my team-mates, making sure everyone is focused, keeping them relaxed and calm and in the zone. I’ll be backing everyone up,” Alex said.
“I want to take it as far as I can. Everyone dreams of playing for Australia. Hopefully that dream comes true.”
