Tara Jeffrey
Lambton College is expanding its varsity lineup with a women’s softball team joining the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.
“The pandemic has seemed to reignite student passion for activity; we are seeing that across the board at the college,” said James Grant, manager of athletics and student life.
“We were looking to start a women's softball team in the past but at the time, lacked having enough students interested in playing.
“That's changed — which is great.”
The program is set for the 2022-23 season and includes recently announced head coach Greg Shortt, who’s been involved with coaching softball in Sarnia-Lambton for more than a decade.
The dad of two daughters of his own, Shortt — who got his start playing softball as a pitcher in Camlachie and even pitched in Australia for a season — is a big proponent of women’s sport.
“I think it opens up a lot of opportunities for females in the community,” he said in a statement.
“I think they will look closely at the programs we offer at Lambton College, and having the ability to pair a program of interest with the opportunity to play competitive softball for a couple more years at a high level is a great opportunity.”
The college also plans to add cross country to its 2022-23 varsity lineup.
Lambton currently has varsity teams in men’s baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s soccer.
“We are really focusing on improving opportunities and support for our students both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Grant.
Prospective student athletes are encouraged to contact Shortt at [email protected] for more information on the program, including the plan for off-season workouts.