Kinburn hosting girls’ fastball clinic June 21

KINBURN – There’s been lots of talk about the boys’ fastball teams on West Carleton Online this summer, but let’s not forget about the girls.

On Sunday, June 21, the Kinburn Community Association (KCA) is hosting a girls’ fastball clinic followed by a top-level women’s game between the CWSL Selects versus the Stittsville 56ers U19 team.

The clinic will be taught by three of the area’s best ballers in Justine Styles, Steph Boucher and Ashley Cavanagh.

Styles, a Kinburn native, grew up playing West Carleton ball. Later on, she played for the Stittsville Selects teams and eventually got into rep softball playing for the South Ottawa Angels. During post secondary, she played for the University of Guelph Gryphons softball team. After three years as a Gryphon, she graduated with a C on her chest and being the starting pitcher. Recently, Styles started a women’s softball league in Carp to continue playing high level softball on a regular basis. 

Boucher is the head coach of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees taking over the job in 2017. A catcher and outfielder with the Bytown Belles sinc 2016. Boucher is a former athlete at the University of Windsor Lancers (2009-2013) and competed in four Canadian Championships and coached at three CCSA National Championships and three Eastern Canadian Championship tournaments. Boucher is a longtime player in the OVFL for the Carp Cubs and now plays in the Carp Women’s Softball League and Glen Cairn Ladies Softball League. Boucher is passionate about helping athletes develop their skills and love for the game.

Cavanagh has more than 25 years of softball experience, and is passionate about growing softball locally and helping build opportunities for young girls in sport. Backed by more than a decade of teaching and leadership experience, she brings a positive, encouraging approach to player development and mentorship.

All three will run the girls’ clinic which will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Kinburn ball diamond behind the community centre (3045 Kinburn Side Rd.).

The clinic is aimed at female fastball players aged 10 to 15. The clinic is free to attend but the KCA is asking for non-perishable food items for the West Carleton Food Access Centre.

Following the clinic, the CWSL Selects (all star team) will take on the Stittsville 56ers U19 team in an exhibition match starting at 3 p.m.

“Should be a great afternoon of skills and drills on the Kinburn diamond,” the KCA released in a statement today (June 15).