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31 Sports Oakville Beaver 31 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, July 17, 2009 SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009 Not bad for a second sport Helmer makes national softball team despite considering herself more of a volleyball player By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF One short drive has turned into one long, unexpected trip for Renee Helmer. Had the Canadian youth women's softball team not been holding tryouts just 10 minutes from her Oakville home, Helmer probably wouldn't have even bothered. After all, she didn't even consider softball her best sport. "I really didn't expect to make it," the 16 year old said. Even after the tryouts, she walked away unsure of what impression she left on the coaches. Would they remember the double she hit on her first at bat and the ball she knocked over the fence in her last trip to the plate? Or would they remember the three strikeouts in between? She got her answer at work one day. Her cell phone rang and she glanced down to see the display showing an unknown number. She answered expecting to give the caller -- probably a wrong number -- the quick brush off. Instead, it was Canadian team manager Alison Bradley. "We'd love to have you on the team," she told Renee. Helmer's response: "Are you kidding me?" Bradley wasn't and now Helmer is preparing for the Women's Youth World Cup in the Czech Republic, which begins Aug. 10 in Prague. Bradley had some bad news, though. The tournament would prevent Helmer from joining her Brampton Blazer teammates at nationals. (There was another downside that Bradley wasn't even aware of -- Helmer had also made the regional volleyball team for the Ontario Summer Games and that too would conflict with the tournament). Helmer didn't hesitate. She had not even played for a provincial team before, much less represented her country. After catching her breath, she quickly accepted. Earning a spot on the team was made even more remarkable that Helmer is a shortstop, generally one of the most competitive positions. And she only played the position for the first time last year. Prior to that, Helmer had been a catcher but the pain it caused in her knees was not good for volleyball so she made the switch to third base and then midseason shifted over to short. It's been a good fit. At the tryouts the tested the players' arms and Helmer came up with the strongest throws. Her plan going into the tryouts was to play her usual aggressive style, stretching hits and chasing grounders. Helmer could have just as easily not been on the field at all. She considered giving up softball to concentrate on volleyball but reconsidered. CZECHING IN: Abbey Park student Renee Helmer will represent Canada at the Women's Youth World Cup in Prague. See Helmer page 32 MEMO To: Subject: From: Oakville Soccer Club Returning Members Welcome to the Head of the Line The Oakville Soccer Club Advance online registration for our Fall and Winter indoor programs starts July 15 for returning members and siblings Visit www.oakvillesoccerclub.ca to register and to view complete information on fees, days of play and more In-person registration with proof of birth is required for siblings who are currently non-members Open registration starts August 10 1520 Pine Glen Road (Dundas and Third Line), 905-849-4436 The Oakville Beaver A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club A proud sponsor of the Oakville Soccer Club