The 2026 Softball New Zealand National Fastpitch Championship (NFC) was held in Christchurch from 19 to 22 February. WBSC Oceania President Rex Capil had the privilege to attend and speak with the Softball NZ Board at their executive meeting on Saturday, and then attended finals on Sunday to present WBSC Awards from the 2025 Bangkok Congress.
Liam Potts was awarded 2025 Male Softballer of the Year and Marty Grant was inducted into the WBSC Softball Hall of Fame. Their achievements were recognised in front of the NZ softball community during a fantastic weekend of on-field action, which saw Hawkes Bay (Women) and Auckland (Men) take out the title of national champions.
- Men’s Top Batter: Cohen Bailey – 0.462 BA (NHK)
- Men’s Top Pitcher: Jack Besgrove – 0.42 ERA (AKL)
- Men’s Most Valuable: Jack Besgrove
- Women’s Top Batter: Kailyn Campbell 0.591 BA (CB)
- Women’s Top Pitcher: Kaia Parnaby (HB)
- Women’s Most Valuable: Melanie Gettins (HB)
You can relive the action on the Softball New Zealand YouTube channel, and read more about Liam Potts and Marty Grant.