The game of softball has taken a new spin for longtime player and coach, Jodi Thomson of 100 Mile House.
She has the honour of filling the role of head coach for the Peewee girls’ team, which will compete in the Surrey 2012 BC Summer Games, July 19-22.
Her squad of 13- and 14-year olds make up the Zone 8 Cariboo-North East team and they come from as far south as 100 Mile and as far north as Prince George.
With players spread all over the zone, practices are rotated between the main centres to keep it fair and Thomson says she doesn't mind putting on the miles to make things work.
Coaching the Games team is a chance of a lifetime for her and it is made extra special with the inclusion of her daughter, Jillian Thomson, and another South Cariboo player, Caitlyn Ray. The two players have both come up the ranks of the South Cariboo Minor Softball Association, coached by Jodi.
Don McCarron of Green Lake fills the role of Games team assistant coach.
To help them gel, the team has been competing at ball tournaments since the spring and Jodi says she thinks they'll do well at the Games.
"The team is coming together and the girls have bonded well. They're ready to go and excited."
The team has been fundraising to help cover their expenses and anyone wishing to help out can contact Jodi at 250-395-5137.