Netherlands Women’s National Softball Team adds Mark Smith to coaching staff, eyes LA28 Olympics
Mark Smith is the new pitching coach of the Netherlands Women's National Softball Team, which achieved an historic fourth place finish at the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup this summer. Smith was the head coach of Canada's Olympic bronze medal-winning team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Netherlands softball programme. I have admired the athleticism, competitiveness, and potential of this program for many years,” Smith said. “I am looking forward to working with the team and the staff to achieve podium results.”
Smith's international experience includes 13 years as head coach of the Canadian Men's National Softball Team (1996-2009) and 12 years at the helm of the women's programme, winning bronze at Tokyo 2020 (Canada's first-ever Olympic softball medal), three bronze medal finishes at World Cup level and a gold medal at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. Smith is a WBSC Softball Hall of Fame member.
The Netherlands Baseball Softball Federation said: "With Smith's arrival, the goals for the coming period have also been set, namely the 'Road To LA 2028'. The aim is to compete for a medal at the 2028 Olympic Games, surpassing the fourth place at the 2024 World Cup and the current fifth place in the WBSC/KONAMI Women's Softball World Ranking."
“His experience and expertise will help us compete at the top of the world. I am really looking forward to our collaboration,” added head coach Saskia Kosterink.
Smith will join the Netherlands team, currently ranked No. 5 in the world, during tournaments and at various times during training periods and will also be actively involved remotely in the programme.