A Southern River teenager is making his mark in softball after representing Western Australia and earning selection into a national pathway squad.
Year 12 student Jesse Lloyd, 17, recently competed with the WA Under 18 Boys team at the national softball tournament in New South Wales, where the team finished as grand finalists.
Jesse said his journey in the sport started very early.
“My name is Jesse, I’m 17 and am currently in Year 12 at Southern River College. I’ve been playing softball for the past nine years and it’s something I’ve stuck with and really enjoyed,” he said.
“I actually started playing diamond sports when I was three and a half years old, playing TeeBall with AK Strikers. I even tried baseball but softball was my real passion.”
He joined South Thornlie Redsox Softball Club at age eight and later moved into higher levels of competition, including the Fremantle Rebels Softball Club, as he worked towards state selection.
Representing WA at the national tournament was a step up.
“It an exciting opportunity and challenging as I was one of the youngest in our state team travelling to New South Wales,” he said.
“The high level of competition was a great way to test my skills against the best around the country.”
A left-handed pitcher, Jesse said he enjoys the responsibility that comes with the role.
“I’m a pitcher and being left-handed gives me a slight advantage as it’s less common than right-handed pitchers,” he said.
“I like being involved in every play and having that responsibility.”
The WA’s team’s run to the grand final was a highlight.
“It felt great to make the Grand Final and it was a real honour to be able to pitch against Queensland,” he said.
“It would have been nice to win, but it’s still something I am really proud of.”
Following the tournament, Jesse was selected in the 2026 Under 18 Men’s Squad in the Softball Australia Pathway Program, putting him on track for possible national representation.
“I was pretty happy to be selected,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity through Softball Australia and something I’ve been working towards.”
He said the selection came earlier than expected. “I was a little surprised that it happened at 17, I thought it would have taken a few more years to be at such a high level.”
Balancing school and sport during his final year hasn’t been easy, but he said it is manageable. “It can be a bit full on but I try to stay organised and keep on top of my school work,” he said.
The goal for Jesse is to, one day, have a “chance to represent Australia at a World Cup”.
He credits his family, coaches and teammates for helping him along the way.
“My mum and dad… have backed me the whole way,” he said.
