U17 Bandits, Emily Hango, Katelyn Russell and Jorja Chmelnyk pictured here with Olympic bronze medalist, Kaleigh Rafter following the fielding clinic at her Skill Development Camp. (Submitted photo/Battlefords Minor Softball)

By Martin Martinson

Softball skill development

Bandits soak up experience at Canadian Olympian’s skills camp

Aug 3, 2022 | 1:23 PM

Four members of the Battlefords Bandits softball program hit the road to Saskatoon earlier this week to hone their skills under the guidance of a national medalist in the sport.

Bandits Emily Hango, Leah Beausoleil, Katelyn Russell, and Jorja Chmelnyk attended the Skill Development Camp in Saskatoon Monday, coached by Canadian Olympic bronze medalist and current Team Canada softball coach, Kaleigh Rafter.

Hango, who played last year with the U17 Bandits, said she learned a lot taking part in the fielders’ clinic, which featured skill development drills both in the outfield and at the plate.

“I hadn’t really been to a camp like this before, so it was a new experience, but I would definitely go again,” she said.

“It was very informative, and it was really cool to be around all the high-level players that were there, and just to hear some different tips and tricks that I hadn’t heard before. Some of the things [Rafter] said improved my skills immediately.”

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The clinic was offered for softball players playing in U15-U17 leagues, and took place at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. The morning session was dedicated to pitchers and catchers, with the afternoon for fielders.

Beausoleil, who played primarily with the U15 Bandits last year, and then with the U17 squad as an ‘AP’ call-up, was the lone player from the Battlefords to take part in the pitching clinic.

She said it was a valuable experience, offering a glimpse into what is possible through continued dedication to the game.

“Doing this clinic, it was a really great opportunity to learn from someone who has played at such a high level and is now coaching at that level,” Beausoleil said. “It was an amazing experience to see this is where softball could take you, and it’s something that really encourages you to continue pursuing the sport.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1