Rockingham baseballer picked for U17 State team
When Rockingham youngster Breanna Goodwin steps out onto the pitch, she escapes to a world of her own.
The 13-year-old Rockingham Rams baseballer was selected for the WA under-17 women's Heat team set to travel to the National Girls Friendship Series in Brisbane later this month.
Breanna was first selected in the inaugural under-15 girls State Heat team, which travelled to Queensland for the National Championships in February.
The girls won five out of eight games and the team came away with a silver medal.
Her performance in the side helped seal her position in the under-17s competition. Breanna said she was surprised she made the cut.
"I was pretty stoked - I didn't actually think I was going to get in at first because there were so many other girls and I hadn't been doing much practice," she said.
Breanna said she was excited to play up the grades and learn from the more experienced players.
"They'll be more of a role model for me, someone else to look up to," she said.
Swinging the bat in junior tee-ball since she was six, Breanna said she had always had a liking for the sport.
"My mum played softball, so I think that's what inspired me to play," she said.
"I think I just liked swinging the bat."
Breanna went on to play in the Little League series for Cockburn before moving to Rockingham and transferring to the Rams Baseball Club.
She said playing baseball was an escape from everyday life.
"It just takes me somewhere else I guess," she said. "When I hit the ball I just want to run."
Rams Club president Stuart Johnson said the National Girls Friendship Series was a great opportunity for girls to play baseball at a highly competitive level and develop long-lasting friendships. He said the club was excited Breanna was excelling in the sport and representing the State.
"We are all very proud," Mr Johnson said.
The WA Heat will travel to Brisbane on September 25.
