By Tara Murray
Sunbury’s Hunter Kelly has extra responsibility this week as he represents Victoria at the under-15 National Softball Championships.
Kelly, who was part of the team last season, has this year been named captain of the side which is competing in Canberra.
The 14-year-old said he didn’t even expect to be in the conversation to lead the team, having never captained before.
“I’m stoked about it,” he said.
“I was pretty shocked when it was announced. I feel like I’m getting used to it now.
“I thought I would be a bit nervous in the role.”
Kelly said his experience in the team last year had prepared him for what to expect this year and the pressure they would be under.
He said the side had improved over the past five months of training and had high hopes for the championships.
“I know most of the people and coaches,” he said.
“We had some good people last year and we performed alright … I think we came fourth.
“Hopefully we are a lot stronger this year. Most of the group are top-age players.
“We’re a lot stronger than what we were five months ago and I think we are a good chance of winning it.
“There’s a lot of confidence in the boys.”
Kelly is set to share the pitching duties this week, with the youngster also able to play short stop.
It’s been a rapid rise for Kelly, who only took up the sport in the past few years. He has some big ambitions and is hoping to continue to develop.
“I was in year five at school and we had a school sports thing and I was in the softball team.
“I met Russell Coleman [from Sunbury softball] and he invited me to come and play a few games and I loved it.
“I played a few games there and made the Sunbury team and I was asked to try out for the state team [in 2017].
“It’s a fun sport … I just want to keep getting better and better and hopefully play for Australia.”
John Kenny, who coaches Kelly at his local team the Sherwood Knights in Sunbury, said he was extremely proud of Kelly’s achievement.
“When I started Sherwood Knights I aspired to see state players,” Kenny said.
“To have one as captain, there’s a fair bit of pride.
“I’ve seen him really develop the last three to four years and he’s now playing in our men’s team.”
Like Kelly, Kenny said he was surprised that Kelly had been named captain of the state team.
But he said he understood why he was selected.
“He’s a quiet kid who does the job and gets respect along the way and he does it with a smile on his face.
“He listens and learns … He is respectful to others and has actual ability and it’s pretty rare to have both. I think it’s the reason for him becoming captain of the state team.”
Sunbury Association president Kathy Bedwell said it was encouraging for the association, which is the smallest in the state, to see players have success at a higher level.
Kelly is one of two Sunbury players in the under-15 state team, with Nathan Duvall also selected.
