The
University of Calgary Women's
Softball Club provides young
women, attending the University
of Calgary, with the opportunity
to participate in competitive
intercollegiate softball as a
means of enriching their
university life
experience. While the program is
primarily self funded, the
club is beginning to receive
financial support from local
businesses.
The University of Calgary
Dinos Fastball Club is one of the
founding team members of the Alberta
Intercollegiate Women’s Fastball
Association (AIWFA). The AIWFA was
established in western Canada in 2002,
and consisted of five teams. Now called
the Western Collegiate Fastball
Association ( WCSA ), the league has
eight
teams, and now includes SAIT
Polytechnic, the University of
Saskatchewan,
Briercrest College and Seminary,
the University of Regina, the University
of British Columbia-Okanagan, the University of Lethbridge
and in 2020 the University of Victoria.
In 2008, the University of
Calgary hosted the inaugural Canadian
Collegiate National Championship. The
University of Calgary is the only school to
have attended all eleven Canadian Collegiate
National Championships. The Dinos have
medalled three times, most recently a Silver in
2019, matching with the 2011 team
as National runner
up. The Canadian Collegiate Softball
Association ( CCSA ) oversees the National
Championships, setting qualification
guidelines for the WCSA, the Ontario
Colleges Athletic Association ( OCAA ) and
the Ontario Intercollegiate Women's
Fastpitch Association ( OIWFA ).
Since the 2011 season the
Dinos have undertaken most ambitious
schedules, playing in over 30 games each
season, including trips into the
United States, and the Dinos have raised
their expectations of success. The 2014
season saw the team build on their 2013
season's successful 16 win, 1 loss regular
season record, by capturing the WCSA
Championship during the 2014 playoffs. Since
2010, the team has earned at least a bronze
medal finish in the League Championships
each year. These successes have ensured
berths into the CCSA National Championships
each October, and the 12 straight
appearances at Nationals for the Dinos are
unmatched by any school in Canada. Dinos
have seen success at the
Nationals too, with a Silver
Medal in 2011, and most recently
in back to back years, a Bronze
medal in 2018 followed by a
Silver medal finish in 2019.
The Dinos 2019 season is now
over, so the team has winter practices,
fundraising and community involvement to
attend to. The coaches will of course will
be concentrating
on recruiting for next season as we attempt
to bring the 2020
WCSA Championship home.
Advice from the coaching staff about the
recruiting process
Contact us as early as possible.
While most athletes contact us in their
Grade 12 year prior to graduating, the
preference of the coaches is to be able
to watch you play with your club team in
the summers prior to your Grade 11 or
Grade 12
school years. A player is generally the most
comfortable with their own team and team
mates, and we usually see the athletes
best performance then, as opposed to the
walk on situation prior to your first
year at school. This allows us to watch
your progression as a player, meet and
talk with you and your parents, and give
advice about the University of Calgary
and its programs.
The coaching staff
attends a number of tournaments every
spring and summer. The Canada Cup in
Surrey in July, the CWFA in Calgary in
June are mainstays. Other tournaments
are added to our schedule as we
determine where we will see the players
we are interested in. So help yourself
by letting us know your tournament
schedule as soon as you can.
As well. please seriously consider
visiting campus. Campus tours can easily
be arranged, customized to the field of
study you are interested in. Coach
Harlos would like to meet with you while
you are in Calgary, and if the time
matches up you can attend a team
practice during November to March. For
local student athletes this can mean
multiple practices too.
For inquiries into
opportunities for the current recruiting
class ( 2020 and 2021 ) or general questions, contact Head Coach Neal Harlos at
fastball@ucalgary.ca .
For information regarding
the 2022 recruiting class and later,
please contact Associate Coach Randy
Plishka at
fastballrecruiting@ucalgary.ca
.
Recent
news
July 17, 2020
The Western
Collegiate Fastball Association ( WCSA )
announces the cancellation of the fall 2020 WCSA
season and Championships.
Following consultation with all 8 WCSA member
teams and based on public health guidelines,
member school policy and provincial softball
associations Return to Play guidelines, the
reality is that most schools are offering only a
small percentage of classes in person, and many
schools’ position was to limit or cancel fall
sports.
“The cancellation of the fall season is totally
unfortunate, but as much as we all would like to
play, the decision was mostly made for us,” said
WCSA President Randy Plishka.
Going forward though, there is hope that the
WCSA could play a spring season with most if not
all schools participating. While details would
still need to be worked out, a shortened
schedule and playoffs might be feasible in April
and May. Head Coach Neal Harlos of the
University of Calgary Dinos said “I want to give
my graduating seniors one more chance to play“,
when talking about the possibility of a spring
season. UBC-Okanagan Heat Director Darren
Bennett says “UBC-O is 100% supportive of a
spring season and still hope to hold the CCSA
Nationals in Kelowna in May.”
Western Collegiate Softball Association
www.wcsasoftball.org
July 1, 2020
June 21, 2020
May 14, 2020
The last, but not
least 2019 Dino award goes to Kim Vibert who
received the Golden Glove award. Kim has been
our starting Center Fielder since her rookie
year in 2016 where she also received the top
hitter award. She has been a big part of our
success over the years and we want to wish her
all the best in the future.
May 10, 2020
Last year like every year
we are fortunate to get some very talented
athletes joining the team. 2019 Top Rookie
honors go to Shaye Holzinger. Congratulations
Shaye we are looking forward to the next 3
years.
May 9, 2020
The 2019 Top Pitcher award
goes to captain Haley Acton with an ERA of 1.72.
This is the 4th time she has received this
award. In 2018 she also received the top hitter
award. Congratulations Haley!
May 5, 2020
Congratulations to Alexis Huggart on
receiving the 2019 Dino Top Hitter award.
Alexis finished the season with a .491 batting
average and a .548 on base percentage. She also
received this award in 2017 along with top
rookie honors.
May 4, 2020
Congratulations to
Victoria Kehler on receiving the 2019 Dino Pride
award! The award is
given for outstanding commitment to the team on
& off the field, and it's her 2nd year in a row
receiving it. Vic has always done an exceptional
job of representing the ball club and university
in her 5 years of playing. The team would like
to thank her for the many contributions over the
years and wish her all the best in the future.
April 23, 2020
A Different approach to Giving Day:
Since its launch in 2017,
Giving Day amplifies our community’s collective
generosity to create incredible impact on the
student experience, from providing new
scholarships to supporting mental health and
wellness programs.
This year,
we’re asking you to join us in making real,
positive change in response to the pandemic – by
donating in support of COVID-19 relief or giving
the gift of your time to the community. We are
humbled by the opportunity to share the
transformative impact of Giving Day beyond the
University of Calgary.
If you are in a
position to give, we are grateful for your
meaningful support. Because what hasn’t changed
about Giving Day is that your donation will have
double the impact. All eligible gifts made by
May 22 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to
$2,500 per gift – but only while matching funds
last, so it pays to give early.
However you
choose to give – whether by donating,
volunteering or both – you’ll make a real
difference across our campuses and throughout
our community. Because we’re stronger together –
and together, we’ll get through this.
Please visit
ucalgary.ca/givingday to learn more and
give today. Thank you for your support.
Remember, we're not stuck at home, we're safe at
home
February 21, 2020
Coach Neal Harlos and the Dinos are happy
to welcome Mckenna Regier
to the team. Mckenna recently signed her WCSA
Letter of Intent and comes to us from the
Richmond Islander organization. She calls White
Rock, BC home. Mckenna is a lefty slapper, she
plays both in the outfield and shortstop. She
will be studying Linguistics and Languages at
the university in the fall.
February 17, 2020
Coach Neal Harlos and the Dinos are excited
to welcome Megan Stevens from
North Vancouver, BC to the team. She has
played for the last three seasons with the
Tri-City Titans. Megan's primary position is
catcher, but can play solidly in the outfield
too. Megan will be studying in the Faculty of
Psychology.
February 11, 2020
Coach Neal Harlos and the Dinos are pleased
to welcome Madison Thul from
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to the team. She
currently plays for the Moose Jaw Ice and the
222's. Madison's primary
position is pitcher, but can play solidly as a
utility player too. Madison will be studying in the
Faculty of Nursing.
February 7, 2020
Coach Neal Harlos and the Dinos are pleased
to welcome Madison Allard from
Winnipeg, Manitoba to the team. Madison recently signed her
WCSA letter of Intent. Madison's primary
position is 3rd base, but can play solidly as a
utility player too. Madison has played the
Winnipeg Lightning organization for the last 6
seasons. Madison will be studying in the
Faculty of Kinesiology.
December 16, 2019
Dinos Season
Recap
November
9, 2019
November
5, 2019
For all potential 2020-21 Dino players:
The deadline to apply to the University for the
upcoming school year is March 1. Please don't
miss the opportunity to advance both your
schooling and your ball career! For more
information visit
www.ucalgary.ca
.
Contact the coaches and let them know that you
are interested in coming to the University of Calgary. Use the
Prospective Athlete
tab at the top of the page for more info.
October
14, 2019
Dinos win silver at Nationals:
With 4 straight wins the Dinos advanced
into the Championship game against WCSA rival
Regina. Unfortunately the team gave up 4 runs in
the first inning, and despite outscoring Regina
in the rest of the game were unable to make up
the deficit, losing 5 - 3.
Kim Vibert was named Top Batter in the
tournament, batting .846 in 3 games during pool
play.
October
9, 2019
Dinos off to Kitchener-Waterloo for the
2019 CCSA Nationals.
The top eight collegiate softball teams will
converge at Budd Park in Kitchener, Ontario from
October 11-13 to be claimed National Champions.
The field includes the host Laurier Golden
Hawks, University of Regina, University of
Regina, University of Saskatchewan, Western
Mustangs, Brock Badgers, University of Calgary,
Durham College, and Fanshawe College.
The National Championships will kick off
Thursday evening when Leighanne Evans from CTV
Kitchener will emcee the opening banquet with
keynote speaker Brenda Andress. Andress was the
first Commissioner for the Canadian Women's
Hockey League, serving in the position from
2008-09 to 2017-18 and is the Founder and
President of SheIs ,
an organization that is using the power of
women’s sport to create a future of, by, and for
strong women.
Action will be Friday morning and continue
through Sunday evening, all at Budd Park in
Kitchener. Admission for the tournament will be
$5/day or $10 for the weekend and youth under 16
will be free of charge.
Fans will be able to follow the action over the
weekend on
Twitter @LaurierSoftball
Facebook.com/LaurierSoftball
Facebook.com - CCSA 2019 National Championships
Live bracket updates on www.oiwfa.org
October
6, 2019
Dinos lose in Championship game, settle for Silver: The Dinos faced
Saskatchewan in the semifinal Sunday morning,
and came out strong, winning 11 - 3 in 5
innings. The rematch against Regina did not
start or finish well, the Dinos never really got
untracked against a very focussed U of
Regina team, losing 9 - 2.
October
5, 2019
Dinos split games on Saturday advance to
semi-final: Pulling out a nail biting
walk off win 7 - 6 against UBC-Okanagan, the
Dinos advanced against Regina. Unfortunately
they were a few hits short, and Regina won 5 -
2. With the loss the Dinos drop to the
Semi-final, and await the winner of a UBC-O vs
Saskatchewan game. The winner will advance to
the Championship game against Regina.
October
5, 2019
Dinos dominate All Star team and Major
award selections: Dinos take 2 Major
awards with Alexis Huggart winning the Top
Batter award, and Haley Acton took home the Top
Pitcher Award for the third straight season.
Natalie Lawson received the Leadership Award for
the Dinos.
Six Dinos were named to the First All Star Team:
Haley Acton - Pitcher, Victoria Kehler - 1st
Base, Naidine Burdett - 3rd Base, Left Field -
Alexis Huggart, Kim Vibert - Centre Field,
and Natalie Lawson - Utility.
Named to the Second All Star Team were Racquel
Bennett - Catcher, and Cori van Uffelen - Right
Field.
Awards for Academic Excellence were given to
Maddie Markey, Alexis Huggart, Emma Jerome
Smith, Naidine Burdett, Victoria Kehler and KIm
Vibert.
September
26, 2019
Lethbridge weekend cancelled:
In anticipation of a early fall snowstorm and
unseasonably cold weather, the weekends games in
Lethbridge are cancelled. Playoff draws will be
announced shortly.
September
25, 2019
Dinos move into first place after the
weekends play: A sucessful weekend as
the Dinos won 5 games and only lost 1 over the
weekend. The highlight was a 1-0 contest against
Regina who the Dinos have been in a neck and
neck race for 1st place all season. The team
also won twice against Briercrest and SAIT, and
lost against Saskatchewan. Next up is the final
weekend of league play in Lethbridge.
September
16, 2019
Dinos win twice, tie once in rain shortened
weekend:
The Dinos reurned to Kelowna and played 3
games on Saturday. A 9 inning battle against a
steadily improving UBC-O team saw the teams
settle for a 3 - 3 tie. In exhibition action the
Dinos fought back from an early deficit against
the UBC-O JV team, winning 5 - 3. A solid effort
in the 3rd game saw the Dinos defeat Victoria 7
- 0. Unfortunately the rains moved in overnight,
and the Dinos were not able to play Sunday's
scheduled game against UBC-O.The Dinos hold a 7
win, 1 loss, 1 tie record in league play after 3
weekends of play.
Next up are home games next weekend, Friday
night at 8 against Briercrest, and the Saturday
games at Industrial.
September
9, 2019
Dinos continue strong play in Regina:
The Dinos continued their strong play over
the weekend, winning 3, and losing only once.
Wins against Saskatchewan, Briercrest and a
split of the two games played against defending
National Champions Regina, saw the Dinos holding
a 7 win, 1 loss record in league play after 2
weekends of play.
Next up is a return trip to Kelowna next
weekend.
September
2, 2019
Dinos open season strong in Kelowna:
The best start for the Dinos since 2014 saw
the team win six straight games, going 4 - 0 in
league play.Play started for the Dinos Friday night,
opening the season against UBC-Okanagan, a
spirited 8 - 1 win. Saturday continued strong
with wins against SAIT, Lethbridge and an
exhition win against the UBC-Okanagan JV squad.
Sunday saw the team play very well too, winning
twice, first against UBC-Okanagan again, then an
exhibition game against the University of
Victoria. Many highlights, one being a combined
no-hitter shared by Maddie Markey and
Haley Acton against Lethbridge. This was only
the second no hitter in Dinos history. Next
weekend's games are in Regina and will see
theteam play twice against Regina, and single
games against Sakatchewan and Briercrest.
The
University of Calgary Women's
Softball Club provides young
women, attending the University
of Calgary, with the opportunity
to participate in competitive
intercollegiate softball as a
means of enriching their
university life
experience. While the program is
primarily self funded, the
club is beginning to receive
financial support from local
businesses.
