The coaches and players of the Dutch Women Softball team do have an intense schedule in front of them in 2008. The highlight is obviously the participation at the Olympics in Beijing in August. The preparation for the event of the year has already begun.
They held a four-day training camp in January at the KNVB facilities in Zeist, Netherlands. Head coach Liz KELLY started with 21 players on February 13th to a month-long trip to San Francisco and Hawaii. They will play a series of exhibition matches against colleges in California, before they move over to Honolulu, Hawaii on February 27. They will compete in the Pepsi Malihini Kipa Aloha Tournament and return to the Netherlands on March 10. They will have at least 18 games on the trip.
It is just the start for the season. The European Championship at home followed by a second month-long trip to the United States takes place in May and June. The Holland Tour, a three game series against the Allstar team is planned for July. A trip to Japan will complete the preparation for the Olympics. As you can see they will get enough practice in front of the games.
They will have their first game on the current trip today at noon against the St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. You can follow the team on their new website.
Photo: © Ron Wickert, www.eott.nl