By Max Davies
An 11-year-old Wandong student last weekend set off for Queensland where he will represent Victoria in the 2023 Under 14 Regional Softball Championships.
Riley Mendola, a year six student at Wandong Primary School, was selected to be part of the Victorian state team that will face other state teams from across Australia this week at the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association from July 3 to 7.
Riley first showed an interest in softball when he was five years old, following in the footsteps of family members including his sister and mother Brooke Mendola.
Brooke said he first began with playing tee-ball and was currently playing football with Wandong Warriors Junior Football Club, however his softball skills have continued improving since he first took to the field.
“He’s got natural skills, he’s a pretty sporty person and he loves his footy as well. He’s always 100 per cent committed and he’s doing a lot of training and preparation,” she said.
“Over time he’s got better and better, and the training he does definitely helps too, which is great.”
Riley plays for Mill Parks’ Monarch Softball Club, with the family often travelling to play at various venues including Deer Park, Sunshine and Keilor Park, as well as Waverley and Craigieburn to take part in state-level training.
He also represented Victoria in the School Sport Australia Softball Championship late last year, competing alongside fellow Wandong Primary School student Nate Brunning – who was also selected to travel to Queensland this week.
“It’s been amazing because it’s a whole other level to play state. The coaching staff are incredible and they really teach them about techniques like how to throw properly, how to swing properly, how to deal with grounds balls and things like that,” Brooke said.
“They do months of training three times a week so it’s a big commitment, he trains for football twice a week as well and then goes straight to softball. He’s pretty committed to his sport, but he loves it.”
Brooke said the family had already made lifelong friends through softball and Riley was keen to play in Queensland with his new teammates.
“He’s really excited to get there and give it a good go. He’s very competitive and he’s made a good friendship and bond with all the boys in the team,” she said.
“It keeps them busy, they’re out there training and playing and actually talking one on one rather than just on the internet. It’s important to us and we’re just lucky that he loves sport.
“Hopefully all their hard work will pay off and they’ll have a great time.”
