Four-time Olympic medallist Tanya Harding named battery coach as Softball Australia completes Women's National Team coaching staff
Softball Australia has announced the full coaching staff for the Women’s National Softball Team, led by head coach Kerrie Porter, as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Highlighting the group of six coaches is four-time Olympic medallist Tanya Harding, who has been appointed as the battery coach, responsible for the development of the team’s pitchers and catchers.
Harding, a former star pitcher, is one of only four softball players - alongside USA’s Laura Berg and fellow Australians Melanie Roche and Natalie Ward - to have medalled in four Olympic Games. She earned a silver medal in Athens 2004 and bronze medals in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Beijing 2008.
Joining the staff as assistant coaches are Kym Tollenaere, a former Australian representative and accomplished catcher, and Ben Lucas, who brings a broad background in elite softball and high-performance sport.
Ned Wearne will continue as a Gen 32 Coach, working across the Aussie Spirit programme from the open age group down to the U-18 level. She also leads the Futures Programme, focused on identifying and accelerating emerging talent across Australia.
Sally McCreedy will also serve as a coach, while Jake Cowin joins the team as the new strength and conditioning coach.
Softball Australia’s National High Performance Director, Peta Searle, stated: “This is a highly experienced and passionate group of staff who are all committed to supporting the team - both as athletes and as people. I’m confident their impact will strengthen our programme now and well into the future.”
As part of their ongoing development and preparation for The World Games 2025 in August, the Aussie Spirit will tour Japan at the end of June.