University Softball

UBC softball head coach Gord Collings celebrates with Emily Chorpita during 2018 game at Surrey's Softball City. At age 71, the tireless guiding light of Thunderbirds softball eagerly awaits a return to play for his team after two lost seasons. (Photo by Wilson Wong property of UBC athletics 2021. All Rights Reserved)
Feature University Softball

A Sunday Read: For UBC softball’s Gord Collings, coaching roots run deep… from 1970s into his 70s! Next, his ‘Birds come home to new campus digs at Collings Field!

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VANCOUVER — It was just this past Wednesday that UBC Thunderbirds softball players Mia Valcke and Avery Hilpert set off on foot from their residence for a stroll down to Wesbrook Village on the south side of the sprawling Point Grey campus.The two will tell you that the purpose of their mission was to check […]

First-year Simon Fraser Clan head coach Tina Andreana has her Clan softball team as the leaders of the GNAC pack when the campaign was halted due to the global pandemic. (Photo by Paul Yates property of Vancouver Sports Pictures 2020. All Rights Reserved)
Feature University Softball

Picked for last, but all alone in first place when COVID cancelled GNAC season, SFU Clan softball sees bright future in 2021 under coach Tina Andreana

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BURNABY — Getting a second chance to continue making a great first impression is all Amanda Janes and the rest of her Simon Fraser Clan softball teammates could have hoped for.

Besides playing stellar defence at shortstop, SFU senior Taylor Lundrigan has had plenty to celebrate with outgoing coach Miek Renney, wielding a hot bat that has her sitting eighth in the GNAC with a .370 average. (Photo by Ron Hole property of SFU athletics)
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Simon Fraser softball: Clan set to lean on GNAC’s best defence as battle for playoffs comes down to final weekend

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BURNABY — Take a glance at their 2018 team picture on the Simon Fraser athletics website, and immediately you’re struck by the contradiction of a Clan softball team posing in full gear, while behind them, a snowstorm blankets their Burnaby Mountain home.

Simon Fraser Clan head coach Mike Renney, 1,000 games into his collegiate career, announced Monday that he would retire his position at season's end following 24 years at the helm. (Photo -- Simon Fraser University athletics)
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Mike Renney: After precisely 1,000 games at the helm, Simon Fraser Clan softball coach announces retirement

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BURNABY — It was back in the fall of 1995 when Simon Fraser’s sophomore head softball coach Mike Renney found a quiet moment to chat with a departing member of the Clan’s athletic staff.

Elgin Park's Claire Eccles, a UBC softball player, will pitch for the Victoria HarbourCats' men's baseball team this summer. (Photo -- Baseball Canada)
Feature University Baseball University Softball

UBC softball’s Claire Eccles set to pitch against the guys, HarbourCats sign southpaw knuckler

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Claire Eccles throws a pitch that makes batters buckle at the knees. On Tuesday, one of those rare days when your passions and your dreams come together in historic fashion, Eccles could be excused for feeling a little wobbly herself at times.