New generation of softball stars shine at Canada Games
Under-18 teammates Chloe Bethune, Riley Ruppel and CC Brown play for BC

A new generation of Canadian softball players got a new experience at the Canada Games in St. John’s on Sunday, and they hope it’s another step toward bigger goals.

Chloe Bethune, Riley Ruppel and CC Brown — three members of the country’s under-18 national team — have ditched Team Canada and donned the white, blue and yellow jerseys of BC. All three played a role in their team’s first game at the Canada Games, a 15-0 victory over Prince Edward Island in four shortened innings.

Brown scored two runs for BC in the first inning with a long shot to left field. The 17-year-old from Maple Ridge, B.C., scored two more runs on two sacrifice flies for a total of four runs.

Ruppel started the game at second but came on as a pitcher in the bottom of the fourth inning and finished the game with three soft grounders.

“I think our team started out really high and confident and we all played together and did everything we had to do,” Riley said.

Bethune, 18, of Lindell Beach, B.C., pitched all four innings as a catcher and kept the opposition scoreless.

All three players are on their way to making the Canadian senior national team and believe the Canada Games will be a good experience to get there.

“Our big goal is to play on the senior national team. I think that’s our goal. We really want to represent our country on the biggest stage,” Bethune said.

“Representing our province and our country is very special,” Brown added. “It’s a different experience because you get to meet everyone from our province and other provinces and you’re all together. It makes the experience special and memorable.”

While all three players have international experience with the national team, the Canada Games are special for Beethoven.

“Every place we’ve been with the national team has been overseas, so it’s nice and special to do something here at home.”

BC coaches Michelle Webster and Kaitlyn Cameron see the Games as an important experience and a stepping stone for the athletes.

“It’s a good step in their careers to get to know each other better and play against other provinces. Even with the national experience, this tournament is a different experience and we hope it continues for them.”

Webster also noted the importance of the multi-sport experience of the Games, saying, “Playing in an event like this, sleeping in the lodges, different foods, travel days, all of that is something that elite athletes have to learn to manage. It’s a good experience for them.”

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles also represent a huge opportunity for the sport, as softball is back on the Olympic program. All three players have a goal of playing in the Olympics, and Cameron believes the return of the Olympics is a huge boost for young athletes.

“The Olympics are the pinnacle of our sport. Every young player dreams of getting there. This is a huge opportunity for us.”

Webster also saw the importance of softball’s return to the Olympics as huge.

“It’s the biggest stage for any athlete. Anytime someone gets to represent their country is special, but the Olympics are a different level. "It's so important that our sport is seen and that little kids now see this goal and aspire to it."

For now, the players are enjoying the Canada Games experience, being in the opening parade and the hospitality of the people of St. John's.

"There are so many people here and they are so passionate about the sport. It's small, but it's like we've taken over the place and everyone is so kind. It's really something special and exciting," said Beethoven.

Source