This blog is the first from Hannah Schwarz throughout the week
in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as she tries out for the Women's
Canadian National Softball Team. If successful, she will get the
opportunity to represent Canada in competitions against other
nations from around the world on the diamond.
In this blog, Schwarz recaps her first few days in Canada during
tryout week and what she is doing to prepare herself as best she
can for the coming week. Keep up with her journey by returning to
www.GoIslanders.com
periodically for updates from her.
Hey everyone! Just checking in from the Great White North! I
arrived safely into Toronto Pearson International Airport on
Saturday afternoon. We had no delays and little turbulence, so no
complaints here. Five of my cousins were waiting for me after I
easily made it through Customs and baggage claim.
Just a little insight, my mum is originally from Toronto and is
one of nine brothers and sisters. Every Christmas and summer my
family and I make a vacation trip to visit roughly forty
relatives! This trip is a little different, but Saturday was still
filled with family and relaxation after the day of travel!
Sunday was a different story. I was glad to be in 60 degree
weather as opposed to the Texas heat. Had a full day and barely
broke a sweat! I practiced with a team of 17-20 year olds from
9:00 to 11:30. We then had a lunch break and hit the field once
more for some batting practice.
One of my cousins plays men's fastpitch softball, so he had one
of his pitchers come out and throw to me. This pitcher actually
threw at the Women's National Team tryout last year. He, of course
was not throwing full force (he has been clocked at 85mph!), but he
was replicating how he through last year at the tryout. His speed
was more around 70mph. I am glad I got to see him and get a little
preview of what is to come at the end of the week.
Tonight I will be meeting with one of the assistant coaches from
the Women's National team, Coach Melissa Basilio, in Ajax,
Ontario. I am staying with family while I am here, and the Home
Run Baseball Academy, where my lesson will be, is approximately 20
minutes away.
I am looking forward to meeting her and two other girls who will
be at the camp on Thursday. We will be in the cage from 6-7 p.m.,
and then until 8:30 p.m. we have the field. It should be an
interesting evening!
Thanks for keeping up and I will keep you all posted!
