As announced in the Christmas newsletter, we are pleased to welcome two new faces to the association. However, they will look familiar to many, as both people have been in the thick of the baseball and softball action in the country for quite some time. We are happy to introduce Gabriella Gonzalez and Sascha Obermayer to you:
Gabby Gonzalez has been playing fastpitch for the Vienna Wanderers for several years and has already accompanied the national softball team at the last European Championships as an assistant coach. Before that, the US-American played fastpitch softball at California State University East Bay and at Sierra College in Rocklin. She will take over as athletic director of the softball program as well as head coach of the Seniors and U22 National Teams in January 2022. She is also part of the Academy Coaching Staff where she will have special attention to the three softball players in the varsity program.
I am very honored and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Austrian Baseball Softball Association. I am entering my 7th season, alternating between the club level and the national team program. My motivation for the softball program has grown since I first came to Austria in 2016. I have always admired the culture, the people and the sports here in Austria. For as long as I can remember I have been involved with softball, but there is something special here that keeps bringing me back. The passion and hard work are real. They are fueled by the players' true love for the game. I've always appreciated that and will strive to continue it. For the entire softball program itself, my goal is to promote the sport of softball throughout Austria.
Since I believe that a successful program starts from the grassroots, it is important to pay as much attention to the youth as the seniors. By creating a program where players can grow, their skills and knowledge of the game should continue to expand throughout their athletic careers. Whether it is in the players' personal clubs, in the academy or in the national team program, I hope to work with the ABF to create a successful softball program that past, current and future Austria softball players can be proud of. As the program itself is a foundation, it will take the personal commitment and dedication of the players, as well as other leaders within our sport, to drive the future of softball. I will do everything in my power to be a positive pillar and resource for Softball Austria in the future.
Within the national teams, I have been fortunate to work with these athletes for a number of years. Since this group is one of the most elite in Austria, there is a great deal of talent within them. The older ones have a fire in them; they have set a standard when it comes to fighting spirit and heart for the youth among them. My goal as a national team coach is to continue to encourage our veterans while inspiring the younger athletes to follow in their footsteps and pave their own path. As a collective national team program, we will compete at the highest level to be successful in our international competitions.
I look forward to the future of Softball Austria with great enthusiasm and positivity.
Gabriella Gonzalez - Head Coach Softball Programm
Sascha Obermayer has been playing for the Traiskirchen Grasshoppers since his childhood. From 2014, he was part of the first generation of Academy players in the school program, which he completed highly successfully in 2019. In addition to his involvement in the Baseball Bundesliga team of his parent club, he is already coaching the youngsters there. Sascha also already has the Baseball/Softball Instructor in his pocket and has also gained his first experience on the international stage as a coach at the U12 European Championships in 2019 and 2021. In 2022, Sascha will take over the sports coordination of the ABF and strengthen the coaching staff of the Academy as he did last year.
Being involved in what you love to do naturally makes me very happy. I'm approaching this new task with a lot of motivation. It will certainly be a varied experience that I want to make the most of. I'm already looking forward to working with everyone I can on this journey. For me personally, it is definitely a big step.
Up to now, my activities have been seasonal, or rather defined to smaller areas. The expansion of my area of responsibility will certainly bring new challenges. However, I am convinced that these "hurdles" can be overcome through new experiences and good cooperation.
Sascha Obermayer
We would like to welcome both of us on-board!
