This is an archived article transferred from an older version of the website. Some images or links within the article might no longer display or function correctly.

Instead of producing a traditional Christmas card this year, BaseballSoftballUK has decided instead to make a financial contribution to a deserving member of the baseball and softball community.

This year’s recipient, 17-year-old High Performance Academy player Shawntia Johnson, is a study in commitment.

Every Tuesday afternoon, Shawntia cuts short her school day in Nottingham and, together with her father, makes the five-hour round trip to Langley Academy in Slough for HPA softball practice.  It’s a journey that often ends way past midnight and one that requires her father to take the day off work to support his daughter’s endeavours.

Shawntia says that the donation means she can afford to buy new equipment as well as helping to cover the costs she’ll incur playing in the Great Britain Fastpitch League next season, which she sees as vital to her development as a player.

Shawntia has recorded a video message about her experiences playing softball which you can see by clicking here: http://bsuk.co/2ySzqy8.

Go to news listing