The British Softball Federation has appointed Kathleen Laster, an experienced US-based coach and an expert in softball analytics, to the position of Head Coach for the Great Britain Under-18 Women’s Fastpitch Team. The position became vacant when Robbie Robison resigned as Under-18 Head Coach earlier this year after two years in the role.

Kathleen Laster, who is based in Texas, has coached at the high school, club and college level in the United States, and in 2018 founded Softball Analytics Consulting, a firm that produces scouting reports for softball teams across the world, including top NCAA Division 1 colleges, and runs coach education courses focusing on statistical and video analysis.

Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science Degree from Texas Woman's University and NFCA Master Coach certification. After a year without either training or competition due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the GB Under-18 Women’s Team will now be focused on preparing for the U-18 Women’s European Championship in July 2021 in Prague, which will be a qualifier for the WBSC Under-18 Women’s World Cup in 2022.

Kathleen Laster said: “I am honoured and excited to be able to lead the GB Under-18 Women’s Team. The BSF has created a distinguished women’s fastpitch programme with success at all levels and being able to join their great group of coaches is a wonderful opportunity.  I know that coaching from abroad will present its own set of challenges, but I am excited to utilise technology to help this team grow and prepare for the European Championship next summer.”

/ BSF press release and cover photo
Photo courtesy of Andrea Andrian