Great Britain Women's Softball U-13 & U-15 Head Coach Jodie Rushin has stepped down from both roles, effective immediately.
A leader on and off the field, Jodie represented Great Britain as a player, competing at the U-13, U-16 and U-19 level. She began her coaching career with the U-13s in 2010 as a player liaison before becoming an assistant coach in the following years to Jeremy Thomas, Caroline Champion and Beth Perkins. Jodie took over from Beth as U-13 Head Coach in 2018.
Jodie also managed U13 players in the Women’s Great Britain Fastpitch League (GBFL), and always looked for more ways to help them develop.
Whilst in post, Jodie worked with the BSF's UK-based athletes, coaching them to become better players. With her assistant coaches beside her, Jodie worked hard to recruit players to this programme. Many of the players she took on were brand new to the sport and had never played a game of softball before.
When the U13 Cubs went on tour they started as a group of athletes who didn't really know each other but by the time they came home, they were a team and had made lasting friendships. Every year was special but 2019 saw Jodie lead the Cubs to a silver medal at the annual Softball European Massimo Romeo Youth Trophy competition, with a bronze following in 2024.
in addition to the annual trip to the EMRYT tournament, Jodie also took the U-13 Cubs to tournaments in Roef in 2019, Prague in October 2022 and Croatia in 2023. During the pandemic, Jodie created a domestic tournament at Farnham Park to allow players to play and develop in a competitive and friendly environment.
In 2023 Jodie took on the additional role of U-15 head coach alongside her U-13 role. She took the Great Britain Women's U-15 team to the Canada Cup in 2023 and to Prague for Europeans in 2024, where they placed 7th.
Jodie made the difficult decision to step back from coaching earlier this month, stating, "After 14 incredible years, I’ve made the difficult decision to step back from coaching—a role that has brought me so much joy and passion. It wasn’t an easy choice, but the time feels right. I truly hope the next person steps into this rewarding (and challenging!) role with as much love for it as I’ve had."
The British Softball Federation are grateful for her dedication, commitment and the inspiration she has brought to all the athletes and coaches she has worked with, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
