When Virden’s Brooklyn Roach talks about softball, family is an overarching theme.
She is currently in her first season playing with the University of Regina Cougars women’s team. One of her teammates is her sister, Mackenzie, who is now in her third season with the squad.
“Most people would not be able to or want to play with their sister, but I really enjoy playing with Mack,” the daughter of Doug and Nicky Roach said. “I was upset when her final year of high school softball was over because I didn’t think I would get to play with her again, so I’m very happy to get to play with her again.”
It is not only her sister who Roach feels close to on the Cougars.
“The thing that I have enjoyed most is getting to play with this team of girls,” she said. “The veteran players are very knowledgeable and will do whatever they can to help others get better. Our team is like a family and I have gained 13 great friends.”
The Cougars are certainly pleased to have her. Brooklyn has been utilized as a pitcher, first baseman, and a designated player.
“Consistency”
“She has helped us on the mound in some close games and her consistency at the plate has been a real asset for the Cougars this year,” head coach Andrea Wolf said.
“She is a true team player and very accepting of whatever role we put her in and of adapting to new things we are trying with the team.”
Roach’s personality, as well as her athletic prowess, have been appreciated.
“She is very positive, upbeat and extremely supportive of her teammates when she’s not on the field,” Wolf said. “Brooklyn comes to practice everyday with a smile on her face and it’s been a lot of fun having her on our team.”
Roach, who is studying business, specializing in accounting, said playing for the Cougars has been different than what she has experienced before.
“I think university ball is different because you can tell how much these girls love ball, and that there is absolutely nothing else they would rather be doing than playing ball. It’s very exciting to be playing with girls who love ball as much as I do.”
She appreciates how supportive of her softball career her family has been. Roach emphasized that her mother has “always supported me by always coming to my games and cheering me on, as well as always believing in me.”
While she was growing up, her father drove her to every practice, game or tournament. He also spent countless hours in the school gym, back yard, and on the diamond with her.
“He always did whatever he could to make me a better player and get me to where I wanted to go and never stopped believing in me. I truly would not be where I am today in softball if it wasn’t for my dad’s support.
“He has spent so many hours practicing with me and watching me play when he could have been doing something else and I am very thankful for that. He has supported me by loving the game as much as I do. He truly is one of a kind, as not many fathers would put in as much effort as he does.”
