Australian Captain, Natalie Ward reaches 400 game milestone

[Al's Fastball News]

Australian Captain, Natalie Ward reaches 400 game milestone



Australian Captain, Natalie Ward (NSW) reached another milestone
in her outstanding softball career when Australia faced Canada
Thursday night in the 2008 International Softball Challenge at
Blacktown Olympic Park.  The game marked Ward’s 400 appearance
for the Australian Spirit in career that has spanned over 14
years.

Ward is Australia most capped player in softball history.  Ward
first played for Australia during the Japan tour in 1994 as a
19 year old.  In 2006, Ward surpassed the previous record held
by Sally McCreedy (356) at the Canada Cup.  This was the same
year Ward was named co-Captain of the Australian team.  Ward
was only the second Australia, along with McCreedy to reach the
300 game mark. They have since been joined by Natalie Titcume
to surpass that many games.

Since making her debut for Australia, Ward has competed in four
World Championships and three Olympic games and has been a major
contributor to Australia’s success. She proudly displays two
silver medals and four bronze medals for her efforts.

Regarded by many as one of Australia’s greatest players all time
and one of the best players in the world, Ward is humble in her
achievements.  On reaching 400 games, Ward emphasizes that every
time she walks out on the diamond it is a privilege to wear the
green and gold.  Typical of her character, Ward is thankful that
she has had the opportunity to play for her country carrying
on a proud tradition for her family with elder sister, Linda
also donning the green and gold. 
 
After coming back from some serious injuries since the 2004 Olympic
Games in Athens, Ward says that every day the motivation to get
another chance to play for her country keeps her going.  Her
main priority is to be selected into the 2008 Olympic team and
complete her set of Olympic medals.  The triple Olympian is desperate
to add a gold medal to the two bronze and one silver she has
already won.

Another player who reached a milestone during the 2008 International
Challenge was Australian outfielder Belinda Wright (NSW).  Wright
reached her 200 game milestone for the Australian team the same
game as New South Wales teammate, Natalie Ward.  Both of these
girls are from Newcastle, New South Wales.  Wright debuted for
Australia at the 2001 Trans Tasman Challenge.  She was a reserve
for the 2004 Olympic team and was a member of the 2006 World
Championship team.  Wright is hoping that she can add the 2008
Olympic team onto her list of achievements. 

Australia also recognised two time Olympian, Natalie Titcume
(Vic) last Thursday for her personal achievement of playing 300
games for Australia.  Titcume reached her milestone on the Japan
tour in November 2007.  

Softball Australia congratulates these three players for their
contribution to Australian Softball over the many years.


AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

On request


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Kylie Bloodworth
Softball Australia
Mobile: 0400 909 166

 Al's Fastball News
*Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com
   fastball at pmihrm.com
NEWS-1: http://www.AlsFastball.com/
NEWS-2: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball

VIA http://www.webbox.com