OTTAWA- Women’s National Team Head Coach has been travelling to Cuba for the Girls Baseball Development Camp for seven consecutive years and it’s pretty simple why.
“The experience for the athletes is second to none,” says the only coach the Women’s National Team program has ever known. “From a baseball experience, the athletes receive quality coaching and get to play games in competitive environment. Off the field, the cultural experience is once in a lifetime for many. Getting to see a different way of life first-hand is something that participants never forget.
“This trip is a tremendous athletic and life experience in so many ways.”
Emma Carr, who has experience with the Women’s National Team, will be returning to Cuba for the Development Camp after having attended previously.
“(The trip) is more than just the experience of baseball, it is learning about a whole new culture and way of living,” said Carr. “I’m looking forward to putting all my hard work during winter training onto the field and test my skills while still having fun.”
The competition will be intense in Cuba with two Canadian squads being formed that will take on candidates vying for a spot on the Cuban Women’s National Team.
“They are amazing ball players,” added Carr of the Cubans. “You need to keep reminding yourself that you are playing against high level baseball players and not let the thought of a loss or a bad stick in your head. Just let it all go and learn from any mistakes so you will do better the next time.”
Carr is excited about both the baseball and cultural aspects of the trip and has this to offer to first time participants.
“The camp is a week to escape reality and enjoy playing your favourite game under the sun with a bunch of other girls that share the same passion as you. It goes by so fast so just relax and enjoy the time you have there.”
One participant who will be heading to Cuba for the first time is Marika Lyszczyk and she’s looking forward to the experience.
“I’m very curious about how the Cubans live and about individual life stories,” she said. “On the field, I’m looking forward to the high caliber training and becoming a better overall player.”
After arriving in Cuba on February 14th, players and staff will have to get settled quickly as a practice day will take place on the 15th before competition begins on the 16th.
Please follow Baseball Canada on Twitter (@baseballcanada) for daily updates from the Girls Development Camp in Cuba.
Schedule:
February 16: 1pm Canada Red vs Cuba Rojo
February 17: 1pm Canada Red vs Cuba Rojo; 3pm Canada Black vs Cuba Azul
February 18: 1pm Canada Red vs Cuba Rojo; 3pm Canada Black vs Cuba Azul
February 19: 9am Canada Black vs Cuba Azul; 1pm Canada Red vs Cuba Rojo
February 20: 9am Canada Red vs Cuba Rojo; 1pm Canada Black vs Cuba Azul
