International Players

INTERNATIONAL PLAYER REQUEST
This page is to promote opportunities for international players wishing to play in the New Zealand domestic competition - through linking associations / clubs with athletes. To place an add, please email your details and contact information to Softball New Zealand at snz@softball.org.nz or alternatively click here. SNZ ask that when a position is filled, the applicant or recipient are to advise as soon as possible so that the advert can be removed.

For those players based outside of New Zealand, who are looking to transfer into the country for the summer 2024/2025 competition, please also state what you are looking for/ require from a local club (i.e Would you need/want them to cover flights and/or accommodation, would you need a job ect). 
 
THIRD BASE/POWER HITTER SEEKING TEAM FOR 2024/25
28 August 2024

My name is Emily O’Connor, and I recently completed my fifth year at the University of Indianapolis, a Division 2 school in Indiana, USA. I’m reaching out to express my strong interest in playing and coaching opportunities in New Zealand.

I’ve been passionate about softball since I was young, and I’m eager to continue my journey by playing overseas. I believe this experience would not only help me grow as an athlete but also allow me to share my love for the game and my faith with others.

In addition to playing, I’m also very interested in coaching. I currently give private lessons to high schoolers every week and assist with a 16U team, so I’m confident that my coaching experience could be valuable to a team in New Zealand. I’m particularly interested in working with Junior U18 girls, as I’ve found this age group to be incredibly rewarding to coach.

I understand from recent communication that you might be aware of clubs in New Zealand looking for player or coaching support. If there are any teams or opportunities that come to mind, I would greatly appreciate your guidance in making those connections.

I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to a New Zealand team and would love to discuss how I can be an asset. Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,
Emily O’Connor

Email: oconnoreemily44@gmail.com
Player Profile: https://baseballjobsoverseas.com/players/emily-oconnor/



NCAA D1 OUTFIELDER, DOUBLES AS SLAPPER / POWER HITTER
14 August 2024

My profile on Baseball Jobs Overseas showcases my background and experience in the game. Following college graduation in June 2024, I quickly gathered my belongings and moved overseas to continue my career in Germany playing for the Wesseling Vermins. The team is solid having come in second place in the league but still with some more competition ahead of us! Upon my arrival, I made an immediate impact starting in centerfield, spending some time at shortstop and leading off for the team. 

Much of my experience can be attributed to my time spent playing in college at the University of California, Riverside competing at the DI level. Throughout my collegiate career, I was an everyday starter, primarily playing in the outfield but with versatility across the infield as well. I am proud to say I hit in various spots in the batting order, but most notably, leading off for my team in my final season.

From the beginning of my competitive career, I've taken pride in my offensive capabilities having consistently led in key statistical categories within my team(s) and conference. Beyond statistics, I bring a dynamic presence to the field, ready to adapt and contribute wherever necessary. Whether it is making a crucial play on the field, sparking momentum at the plate or creating chaos on the basepaths, I thrive on being a versatile asset to my team. 

I am eager to share that my passion for the game extends beyond just playing. I have had the privilege of coaching at the Junior college level where these experiences have instilled in me a deeper understanding of the game's nuances and a strong sense of leadership. 

I'm excited about the prospect of joining your team and potentially contributing my skills and enthusiasm to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best,
Nadia Witt

Email: nadia.witt@email.ucr.edu
Player Profile: https://baseballjobsoverseas.com/players/nadia-witt/

 
CATCHER/POWER HITTER SEEKING TEAM FOR 2024/25
07 August 2024

My name is Cortney Hokason and I'm a regional All-American catcher and contact hitter with power. I'm looking to play in New Zealand and help a club perform this upcoming season. Here is my profile which includes my experience, stats, a video, and testimonials from recent coaches I've played for. The best parts about my game are receiving/framing, calling pitches, leading on the field, and blocking (you might see this when you look into my stats but I had 6 pass balls in my 6 years of playing collegiate softball while starting every year).

I played 204 games of Division III college ball, and finished with 143 hits, 36 doubles and 9 home runs.  I was a team captain for three years, leading my team to three conference championships. I have coaching experience and am able to coach youth teams.

Career Highlights:

  • Experience at NCAA Division III level in the U.S.

  • All-conference recognition

  • Voted to all-region team

  • 3x Conference champion, 3x NCAA tournament participant, 2x Super Regional participant

  • Averaged .321 over three seasons (33% of hits for extra bases)

  • Consistently high on-base percentages

  • 2x Gold Glove Nominee

I appreciate your time!
Thank you,
Cortney Hokanson

Email: c-hokanson@bethel.edu
Phone: +1 651-216-9769
Player Profile: https://baseballjobsoverseas.com/players/cortney-hokanson/
 

IMPORTED PITCHER SEEKING TEAM FOR 2024/25
1 August 2024

My name is Whitney Shepherd, and I just finished my college softball career in May 2024. I played for Reinhardt University, a nationally ranked college from Waleska, Georgia in the United States. We played in the very competitive Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) where Reinhardt was nationally ranked in the top 20 teams in the country during my time there. 
 
I am writing to express my strong interest in playing softball overseas in New Zealand during the upcoming 2024 season. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to your teams and experience softball in a new culture. One of my career goals is to coach high-level athletics so any opportunity to mentor/coach other athletes would also be ideal.
 
Here are some of my athletic highlights and college background:

  • Position: Pitcher/Infielder
  • Achievements: Conference Pitcher of the Year 2023, 2X First Team All-Conference 2023 & 2024, Champion of Character 2023.
  • Statistics: 
  • Academic Standing: 3X NFCA All-American Academic Award 2021, 2022 & 2023.
    • Completed bachelor’s degree (2023) - Summa cum laude (3.9 GPA), majored in sports studies with a business minor.
    • Completed master’s degree in sports administration and leadership (2024).
  • Pitching Skills: Accuracy and speed.  Setting up my rise and curveball.
  • Durability: Led Reinhardt University pitchers with 476 innings pitched.  No major injuries during college career.
  • Character: I also pride myself on my composure on the mound and my ability to adapt to different game situations.

In June 2024, I moved to Neunkirchen, Germany to play professional softball for the Neunkirchen Nightmares. This is my first season playing and coaching overseas. I play for their highest level first division team and coach the second division team as well as their youth teams. The opportunity to travel and play throughout Germany has been an amazing experience.  However, the German season ends in October 2024 so I am looking to extend my international playing/coaching experience into 2024 and beyond.

am committed to joining a team that allows me to improve my softball skills, coach/mentor other players in a leadership/coaching role while living and experiencing a new international culture.  If there are any opportunities for me to join your team for this upcoming season, I would be grateful for the chance to discuss further. 

I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your softball program.

Thank you,
Whitney Shepherd
 
WhatsApp: +1 423-227-3515 
Phone: +49 15229079783
Email:  whitshep7@gmail.com

 

POWER HITTING CATCHER SEEKING TEAM FOR 2024/25
13 July 2024

My name is Neely Peterson, and I recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University. I am a right-handed power hitting catcher. I finished the season First Team All-ASUN, ASUN Tournament MVP, selected to ASUN Tournament Team, unanimous selection for Preseason Catcher of the Year, broke the single season record at FGCU for most runners thrown out, batted .301 with 10 doubles, 4 HR, and 36 RBI.

I am reaching out to inquire about any available opportunities to play softball in New Zealand. Having developed a strong passion for the sport over the years, I am eager to continue playing at a competitive level while experiencing the unique culture and environment that New Zealand has to offer. I believe that my skills, dedication, and experience as a catcher would make a valuable addition to a team. 

Neely Peterson

International Player Profile link: https://baseballjobsoverseas.com/players/neely-peterson/
Email: neelypeterson05@gmail.com
Phone: +1 813-545-7237
 

POWER HITTER SEEKING TEAM FOR WINTER SEASON 2024
1 January 2024

My name is Chelsea Martinez and I am interested in playing for your softball team for 2023-2024 winter season. I primarily pitch and play 1st and 2nd base. My secondary positions are: outfield. I also have experience coaching as a graduate assistant coach at the University of North Georgia from 2020-2022, along with coaching lessons currently. I am available starting September 2023 until whenever.

I completed my senior season at the UMSL in 2019. As the starting first baseman and batting in the 4 hole I led the team in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs, hits, on base percentage, doubles, and OPS. In my senior year I hit 11 home runs and batted .350-.400 (BA) throughout the year. In my junior year, I led my team with 65 hits, which included 15 doubles and seven home runs, I tallied 45 RBIs, and batted .322. As an All-American at my junior college I batted .413 with 59 hits, including 9 doubles and a team-high 11 home runs, and led the team with 66 RBIs.

Career Highlights: named an All-American, Female Athlete of the Year and Athlete of the Year in Junior College (2017), Senior Athlete of the Year (2019), Second Team All-Region for NFCA and D2CCA (2018 and 2019), First Team (2018) and Second Team (2019) All-GLVC selections,
Highlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcZf6BFSjWg

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Chelsea Martinez
Email: martinez.chelsea14@gmail.com