Tressa Williamson, of Palmerston, who plays for the Cambridge Juniors, was recognized by council here for being part of the gold medal team at the Canadian Junior Women’s Fastball Championship, held in St. Catharines last month.
Williamson is a shortstop with the team.
When asked about where other players were from, Williamson said, “We’re from all over actually. Primarily members are from the Oakville area. We used to be the Oakville Angels until we switched over to Cambridge.
“There’s a lot of girls from the GTA, a lot from Oakville, a couple from K-W. I’m the only one from way up north here,” she laughed.
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen responded, “We’re really glad you’re from way up north here representing us in Cambridge and across Ontario.”
The certificate presented to Williamson, signed by Mayor David Anderson, recognizes her achievement.
Councillor David Turton said he is a member of the Palmerston Marlins, and, “I don’t think many people realize exactly what that gold medal meant. It’s a very, very high level representation to win the gold for a Canadian team. It’s a real honour and privilege.”
Councillor Wayne Martin said there is a lot of work and dedication involved.
“It’s very exciting,” said Williamson, who added that this year there were a few teams who did not attend the nationals but who usually show up.
This year there were no teams from British Columbia, which she said was odd, because that province usually has the top teams outside of Ontario.
“We were quite shocked, and as a result, our schedule was a bit shorter.”
It allowed Williamson a day off on the Wednesday during the championship.
“So … me being home in Palmerston on a Wednesday … I thought I could think about the things I’d done wrong … or get in the batting cages and try to improve myself.”
What she did, was head to the ball diamonds.
“I hadn’t been to the batting cages in Palmerston for quite some time, and Al Carr was working on the Barb Wright Diamond.”
She noted Recreation Director David Stonley was there as well, “and in my nicest, sweetest, most polite way, asked if anyone had a key to open the batting cage.”
She said Carr went running around Palmerston and back to the arena to bring back the key.
“He made it happen for me, and I just thought, only in a small town with this type of community, would that happen.”
Williamson had the chance to practice, “and my batting average showed it for the rest of the tournament. Thank you so much.”
