Netherland’s Women’s Team Adds Mark Smith to Coaching Staff

Netherlands Eyes Spot on Podium at 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

Editor’s Notes:

First saw Mark Smith pitch in Southern California, with Camarillo Kings, when he was 26. No one, IMHO, threw harder than Smith. Mark won back-to-back ISC World Tournament titles in 1981 and 1982 with the Kings, and had an illustrious career pitching for Team Canada. After he retired from pitching, he applied his talents as a coach, first to the Canadian Men’s National team, and later, the Canadian Women’s National team, retiring in 2021. In anticipation of softball’s return to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, the Netherlands persuaded him to emerge from retirement to help lead their program.

I had a chance to see the Netherland’s women’s team at the 2023 World Cup qualifier, as a broadcaster at the WBSC World Cup Qualifier (Group B). They impressed me as an experienced team, who proved their mettle down the stretch of that tournament, to grab the second of two World Cup berths alongside Puerto Rico, besting China in the final game of the tournament. It was the first sign that the Netherlands were moving up. Add to that their fourth place finished at this year’s World Cup, and now the signing of coach Mark Smith, it sends a message to the world that they intend to compete for a spot on the Olympic podium in Los Angeles in 1984.

A bit more about Mark Smith

Mark Smith: A Legendary Career in Fastpitch Softball

By Jim Flanagan, Fastpitchwest.com

Mark Smith’s illustrious career in fastpitch softball spans over four decades, encompassing both his playing and coaching achievements. His journey is a testament to his passion, skill, and dedication to the sport.

Playing Career
As a player, Mark Smith was considered one of the greatest softball pitchers of all time. His 25-year playing career took him across North America and to Australia and New Zealand, showcasing his talents on an international stage. Smith’s accolades include three Pan American Games gold medals (1979, 1983, 1991) with the Canadian Men’s National Team, a World Championship gold medal in 1992, and induction into multiple halls of fame including the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, Softball Canada Hall of Fame, and the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame.

ISC World Tournament Success
Mark Smith dominated the prestigious ISC World Tournament, leading his teams to multiple titles. His exceptional pitching earned him frequent All-World team selections and ultimately led to his induction into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 2004.

Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Smith excelled in coaching. He led the Men’s National Team from 1996 to 2009 before taking over the Canadian Women’s National Team in 2009. His achievements with the women’s team include gold at the 2015 Pan American Games, three bronze medals at the World Championships, silver at the 2011 Pan American Games, and bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Legacy and Impact
Smith has the unique distinction of coaching both men’s and women’s teams to Pan American Games gold medals. In 2017, he became High-Performance Director for the Women’s National Team program, helping prepare the team for the 2020 Olympics. After 43 years of playing and coaching at the international level, Mark Smith retired in 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Canadian softball.