Softball is a Reale family affair. Werribee siblings Samuel and Olivia Reale have both made Victorian teams to play in the Pacific Schools Games in Adelaide in November.
The hard-hitting duo attend Mackillop Catholic Regional College and train up to 14 hours a week in the hope of achieving their dream of representing Victoria and, ultimately Australia, in softball.
Dad Steven manages Samuel’s City Raiders club team and mum Tanya also plays the game.
“This has been a huge achievement for them both,” Mrs Reale said.
“The next few months will be crazy with all the travel and training. They work very hard, but they love it.”
The family started playing softball only three years ago when a friend invited them to a practice session.
“I love it and I’m going to go as far as I can in softball,” Samuel said. “I’m excited and ready to go [to Adelaide.]”
Samuel has been chosen in the Victorian 17-and-under team and is about to have trials for the state baseball team with three other members of his Werribee Giants club.
He has been recruited by the National Scouting Report for baseball, which enables him to play college baseball in America once he completes year 12.
Olivia, 12, said she was nervous and excited to be representing Victoria in the girls’ 12- and-under team.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s so much fun and I’ve met heaps of new people and made so many friends.”
Selection for Victorian teams for the Pacific School Games was made after a series of competitions.
The Reales are looking for sponsorship to help towards uniforms, registration and travel costs.
Contact school.sport.victoria@edumail.vic.gov.au for information.
