Abbotsford’s Avery Barker has signed with the Simon Fraser University softball team.
The Yale Secondary and Surrey Storm product was one of nine recruits the Burnaby-based school announced on May 27.
In the news release announcing the new players, SFU notes that Barker, an infielder, is “an all-round athlete with a competitive spirit” who “plays with grit, and a true love of the game.” She helped the Storm to a bronze medal at 2018 Canadian championships, where he was named a tournament all-star after batting .500 in 27 plate appearances.
SB | @SFU_Softball signs recruits from 5 provinces @Softballbc @SoftballAlberta @softballsask @softball_mb @SoftballOntario to play @NCAADII & #RepTheLeaf 🍁 @GNACSports
— SFU Athletics (@sfu_athletics) May 27, 2021
https://t.co/oveYmpqYo3
She currently attends the softball academy at Yale Secondary in Abbotsford.
“SFU gives me the opportunity to play softball at an elite level, close to home, while receiving an amazing education,” said Barker, who plans to study kinesiology.
The shortstop also earned a bronze medal in softball at the 2018 BC Summer Games and took home a provincial silver medal in the U14A tournament back in 2017. She also played rugby, soccer and volleyball at Yale.
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SFU is the lone Canadian-based NCAA softball program, and they compete at the Div. 2 level.
The team posted an overall record of 9-30 in the club’s last full season in 2019. SFU did have an overall record of 13-5 in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short.
The program captured NAIA national championships in 2010, 2005, 2003 and 1999. The season typically begins in late-January or early-February.
For more, visit athletics.sfu.ca/sports/softball.
With files from Nick Greenizan/Black Press