WEYBURN — Weyburn’s own Jorde Chartrand of the South East Steelers was named the tournament’s top pitcher after leading her team to a historic third consecutive Women’s A national softball championship.
The South East Steelers won the Softball Canada National Championships in Saskatoon following games from July 28 to Aug. 3.
Reflecting on the achievement, Chartrand said, “Going into a tournament like nationals, the biggest priority and goal is to win softball games with my team and getting named to an award like this one is a big honour and something that I am very grateful for.”
The Steelers dominated the competition, going undefeated in round-robin play before cruising through the playoffs. Chartrand credited the team’s chemistry and trust in their coaching staff for their consistency.
“I think the biggest thing that we focus on as a team is keeping things positive and having fun with each other. Everyone trusts each other to get the job done and trusts that Darren, Alana and Allan Hubbard are making decisions that are best for the team.”
Chartrand delivered in the final, pitching a shutout against Quebec with 13 strikeouts.
“Games like that one are super fun to play in with my teammates, especially when things are rolling smoothly,” she said. “Jill [Kroeger] and I were using my rise ball and curve ball early and consistently that game to get ahead of the hitter and keep them off balance.”
Making history
The Steelers are the first Saskatchewan team to win three straight Women’s A titles.
“It is something super special to be included with this group of ladies because everyone brings something unique to the team and it is a very fun and inclusive atmosphere.”
Beating powerhouses like Quebec and Ontario in back-to-back years is no small feat. Chartrand explained their winning formula.
“Being able to play loose and have fun is a major component on our success as a team. We have a very diverse lineup with many different strengths as a team, which makes it a challenging offence to pitch to and our defence is a strong aspect that is propelled through communication on and off the field as a group.”
Staying sharp under pressure
Chartrand’s mindset remained steady throughout the tournament.
“My mindset is the same with every team I play with, in any tournament I am competing in. I think just keeping things simple and playing every game with the same intensity is crucial for consistently competing.”
When pressure mounted, Chartrand relied on her teammates.
“When you face teams two or three times it’s all about making adjustments and finding new ways to attack hitters and keep them off balance which is something we executed well as a battery in the final to win a back-to-back championship.”
Her go-to pitch in pressure situations is the rise ball.
“I throw my rise ball at different levels and it is a pitch I have spent years throwing in games, so it has become a very natural pitch to attack hitters with,” she said.
All-star catcher Deanna Gerrad and the Steelers’ stellar defence boosted her confidence.
“Leaning on my teammates and trusting that they are behind me is super important to not put too much pressure on myself or a situation we may be in in the game.
“As a pitcher it is all about trusting the people around me because they are the ones going to make the plays when I execute and hit my spots in the circle,” she added. “Pitching to my defence and getting fly balls and ground balls is one of the most fun parts about being a pitcher.”
Team chemistry fuels success
With a roster full of standouts like Carmen Hughes and Gerrad, the Steelers’ camaraderie was undeniable.
“Our team is so successful because everyone is having fun on and off the field,” she said. “We like to keep things lighthearted while we compete because it makes us play looser, which gives us the ability to win big games.”
Now, the challenge is a fourth straight title, but they will take it game by game, she said.
“I think just feeling the extra pressure of going on a four-peat is something that we need to embrace instead of shying away from it because it is a privilege to have the pressure we do,” said Chartrand. “Now we just get to trust our prep, have fun and compete next year again.”
Inspiring future players
Representing a small community like Weyburn on the national stage is meaningful for Chartrand.
“It is very cool to be able to play softball on a stage like this and hopefully inspire kids from small communities like Weyburn to continue to work at their sport and compete at the highest level,” she said. “Growing up I had elite athletes that I looked up to from smaller towns in Saskatchewan and I think it is important to keep that trend going.”
Jorde is the daughter of Caroline and Russ Chartrand of Weyburn. She is currently living in Fort Myers, Fla., taking her masters in business. She is also coaching at Division 1 Florida Gulf Coast University and pursuing her dream of playing in the 2028 Olympics.
