AT just 12, Langford girl Jacinta Whiteside was not deterred by the thought of facing competitors two years her senior when she was chosen in the U/15 team to represent WA at the Regional Softball Championships in Queensland earlier this year.
She was one of just two 12-year-olds in the team.
Jacinta’s mum Sharon said it was her daughter’s determination that had helped her excel in her chosen sport.
Although the team did not place at the competition held in July, coach Joanne Nouwland said the team learned a lot from taking part.
Nouwland said the level of competition was high.
“However, this did not deter them,” she said. “They held their heads high and gave it all they had.
“Their knowledge and skills skyrocketed.”
Mrs Whiteside thanked the City of Gosnells for helping with the team’s travel costs.
The cost of getting her daughter to Queensland with all the necessary equipment was about $1700.
Other local team members were Erika Bojar, Breanna Leete, McKayla Stephenson, Rhiannon Johnson, Danielle Robinson and Samantha Taylor.