Wareham softball players prep for trip abroad

Jul 18, 2018

Lady Sting softball coach Janelle Carlson saw an opportunity for her players after she was contacted to coach abroad for America’s Team last year.

Carlson, a Wareham native who owns East Coast Pitching, extended the invitation to her players on Lady Sting. The junior Olympic-level team draws players from around southeastern Massachusetts.

Seven players, including three Wareham girls, signed up. They then raised the money needed for the eight day, seven night trip to the Dominican Republic. The team will arrive on July 30.

“The Wareham community has gone above and beyond for the players,” said Carlson. “Local businesses and friends and families have come together to raise $40,000 to give these kids the experience of a lifetime.”

On the trip, the girls will play three doubleheaders against Dominican teams. Carlson and another coach going on the trip, Keith Killion, will swap with their counterparts as well, giving the girls a chance to play under Dominican coaches.

Softball isn’t the only item on the itinerary. There will be some sightseeing and also a service project, that’s currently unknown to the players.

Carlson said that’s an important part of the trip.

“I want to the girls to learn things on and off the softball field and apply to their lives,” she said.

The three Wareham players going are: Jordan McCoy, a sophomore at Upper Cape Cod Technical School student, Jocelyn Hendrix, a junior at Wareham High School and Mackenzie Pimental, a freshman at Wareham High School.

On Tuesday, McCoy said she was looking forward to the trip, even if there was some doubt she would play.

“I’m a little upset,” the third base player said. “I injured my left ankle and I’m hoping to still play.”

Despite the uncertainty, she’s ready to head down.

“I’m excited to go, experience the culture and also do some community service,” she said. “I know that’s kind of weird for a teenaged girl to say that.”