June 20, 2013
Collingwood, Victoria, Australia - Jessie Meyer, a middle infielder who has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to attend and compete on the San José State softball team beginning in the 2013-14 school year, has been named captain of the Aussie Pride, the Australian U19 Women's Softball Team which will compete in the International Softball Federation's (ISF) Junior Women's World Championship in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, from July 1-7.
"I felt so privileged," Meyer said about learning she had been named the Aussie Pride's Captain. "It really is a dream come true to lead my country in the sport I love. Being able to represent your country is truly is the pinnacle of any sport. There is an overwhelming sense of honor and pride."
Meyer brings experience and leadership to the team after representing Australia at the 2011 ISF Junior Women's World Championship.
The competition is made up of 16 teams, split into two pools of eight. The Aussie Pride are in Pool B and will play seven pool games. The top four teams in each bracket advance to a double-elimination tournament format to decide the World Champion. Australia's opens the tournament against China on July 1.
"In our bracket Japan will be our toughest competition," Meyer said. "However, in the whole tournament our biggest challenge will be the United States."
Before the competition begins, the Aussie Pride play six games in southern California, and then travel to Toronto, where they will play warm-up games against the United States and Canadian junior women's team.
"This is a huge honor for Jessie," head coach Peter Turner said. "We've known for a long time that she is a outstanding player and a leader on and off the field. She's the type of athlete and person we want representing San José State. I wish her and the Aussie Pride the best of luck at the Championship."