WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS - Softball is a sport that is enjoyed by many people throughout the summer months, but there are five young women from the White Bear First Nation (WBFN), that play softball during the winter.
Kimowan Pinacie, Maisy Kennedy, Alexus Sioux John, Flaire BigEagle and Isabella Kennedy are between the ages of 13 and 17, and have enjoyed playing ball since they were young kids.
They have either played for White Bear or ventured to play in Carlyle, and all attend Gordon F. Kells High School.
Last summer they decided to try out for the John Queen’s Fast Pitch (JQFP) team in Saskatoon.
This is an elite team that has high-profile players, and through hard work and dedication, all five young players found they were selected to play on this prestigious team.
Kimowanis 14 years old and has played since age nine. Her positions are first base and outfielder.
Maisy is 13 years old and started playing ball at age five. Her positions are catcher and third base.
Alexus is 17 and started playing at five years old. She is a pitcher.
Flaire is 15 years old and has enjoyed the sport for many years. She is also a pitcher.
Isabella, who is 16 years old, began when she was six years old. She will play first base and right field.
These young women competed at a tournament last November in Las Vegas.
In order for them to go, fundraising occurred, and it started with bingos at the White Bear Education Complex.
At first, they were held every other week starting in last September, but soon they were weekly.
According to Tanya Littlechief and Patty Joyea, mothers of two of the players, competition is stiff in these tournaments, and they play against elite teams coming from Nevada and California.
Patty said the Las Vegas tournament was an exceptionally valuable experience for the girls and they played very well. This gave them the chance to see what kind of competition they would be up against.
Twice a month the teammates venture to Saskatoon to practise with the rest of the team, who are from Regina and Saskatoon. There last practice was March 2.
Soon, four of the players will head south once again for one last winter tournament, as Flaire will not be attending.
Leaving on March 17 they will go to Nashville first for games, and then head to Dalton, Ga., for the next tournament. They are guaranteed to play seven games. Being gone approximately 10 days and driving, funds are needed to cover expenses.
The last bingo will be held on March 14 and shortly after this, the families will leave for the competitions.
Tanya and Patty said the WBFN has been incredibly supportive, and they are thankful for this.
They are grateful to all those who have supported the Bingos and made them successful, so these girls can fulfil their dreams.
