Joey Payeur
One thing leads to another—and so does one opportunity.
Karma Andy, who plays for the Manitou Blaze in the Rainy River District Women’s Fastball League, was part of a Team Canada U18 national identification camp in Brampton from June 12-14.
Andy had represented Ontario in fastball at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Regina last summer, where her play drew the attention of Team Canada scouts.
“It was because of my play at NAIG that I got invited,” said the humble teen, who has crafted a 5-5 record this season as the ace of the Blaze.
“I was surprised to get invited to play at that high of a level,” she admitted.
“It was a good experience for me.”
Andy, in just her second year of playing fastball, was one of 180 players at the camp, which was put on by Softball Canada to try and mine the diamonds in the rough that will make up the roster of future national teams.
“I think I did good considering I was going up against girls who have been playing for 14 years and I was still able to keep up with them,” noted Andy, who was encouraged by her father, Tim Archie, to attend the camp after she got the invitation.
Andy’s phenomenal speed placed her in the top six overall in the timed sprints held from home plate to first base, as well as from second base to home.
She also fared well in various throwing drills—not surprising for the right-hander who is considered to have one of the best pitching arms in the local women’s league.
A mini-tournament also was held at the camp, with Andy playing in six games.
She saw most of time at first base and also played the outfield, but did not pitch.
“By the end of the second game, I was more comfortable with first base,” Andy said.
“I still enjoy pitching the most, though.
“I’m still learning the sport but I like how the central flow of the game goes through you as a pitcher,” she reasoned.
With so many players on hand, Andy noted there wasn’t much personal feedback given to her by the Team Canada coaches.
“It’s pretty hard to do that with that many girls,” she conceded.
“They just basically told us to keep working on our skills.
“The pitching was really good at the camp so I definitely want to work on my batting more, and improve my bat speed and work on having a good eye at the plate,” Andy added.
Archie, who said his daughter was the only player from Northwestern Ontario invited to the camp, championed Andy’s cause after being on hand to view her progress.
“I think she is more than capable of competing at that level, even though she has only been in the sport two years,” noted Archie, who plays for the Rainy Lake Pirates in the Rainy River District Fastball League.
Andy, meanwhile, will head to Winnipeg to play for a team from the Peguis First Nation in the Canadian Native Fastball Championships from July 31-Aug. 2.
