Tara Murray
The Werribee Giants women’s program has received a boost with former Australian player Bronwyn Gell signing on as coach for the upcoming Baseball Victoria summer league season.
The Giants announced the signing of Gell, who represented Australia at five international events and won two World Cup medals, earlier this month with great excitment.
Gell, who lives in Bacchus Marsh and grew up in Sunbury, said she was excited to get involved with the Giants.
“I’m super excited for the season,” she said.
“There were a few things that made me look at the role. The commitment from the club to grow the women’s program is really cool.
“There’s really good support for the program and they are investing in long term growth.
“They want to grow women’s sport in the west and I’m passionate about that and it’s down my alley.”
Gell said she had always had an interest in coaching, but it had been tough to take on roles while she was still playing.
She said having decided to stop playing it had allowed her to pursue coaching.
“I kind of knew I was coming to an end of my playing career the last couple of years,” she said.
“I’ve always dabbled in it, here and there over the years. I made the decision to stop playing and when one door closes, another one opens.
“I started coaching the Vic youth winners team in an assistant role, taking on some of the grassroots part of the program.
“I’ve taken a few opportunities. Living in Bacchus Marsh, I’ve been coaching the winter program at Bacchus Marsh and really enjoyed it.”
Gell also coached the first Geelong women’s representative team that played the state championships, which involved some players from Werribee.
She said it was bittersweet no longer playing for Australia, she was enjoying watching the next generation in action.
The Giants women’s side will be hoping to go one better this upcoming season, having made the Baseball Victoria summer league 3 west women’s grand final in their second season.
Gell said there was so much potential in the squad and the area.
“Werribee is a massive growth area and we want to grow the game and the squad,” she said.
“We have already got the foundations and the culture and I want to extend that and build on what they have already established.”
