2021-2022  FEMALE MENTORS

With the support of Sport Canada, Softball Canada is thrilled to announce the selection of the following 2021 - 2022 Coach and Umpire Mentors as part of the Female Mentorship Program! With unique experiences, diverse backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge to share, our mentors will work towards creating positive change within the softball community by helping mentees seek new opportunities, develop a professional network, and stay committed to achieving their softball goals!

TINA ANDRENA, COACH

Head Coach of Simon Fraser University’s Softball Program, Tina Andreana processes an impressive coaching resume. With experience as Assistant Coach at the University of Nevada, University of North Dakota, and Black Hills State University, Andreana executes the training, direction, and motivation required to prepare collegiate athletes for competition, and life post athletics. As a former member of Softball Canada’s women’s national team, Andreana brought home a Bronze medal at the 2010 World Championships held in Caracas, Venezuela. With Master of Business Administration, both Andreanna’s personal and professional qualifications span well beyond the softball field and will act as a driving force  for Softball Canada Mentees.

FRANKIE BILLINGSLEY, UMPIRE

Frankie Billingsley is an accomplished Level V, WBSC Certified Umpire, slated to represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympic Summer Games! Billingsley has umpired at the last two WBSC Women’s Softball World Cups (2016 and 2018) as well as the 2019 Pan American Games and WBSC Americas Softball Qualifier. As an experienced Softball Canada umpire and post-secondary administrator,  Billingsley’s  experience, both on and off the field, will inspire mentees as they work towards achieving their own softball goals.

PIPPA EDWARDS, COACH

A chartered professional coach from Port Perry Ontario, Pippa Edwards’s coaching resume consists of delivering High Performance Programs, developing leadership opportunities for coaches, and preparing scouting data and performance analysis for elite events including the 2008 Summer Olympic Games  and Canada Cup. With broad experience in multi-sport environments, Edwards acquires a robust knowledge  of sport systems, LTAD and athlete development models, and an appreciation for the diversity of sport participation pathways. A champion of Safe Sport activities and Former Chair of Softball Ontario’s coaching Committee, Edwards brings with her experience knowledge, and a  willingness to help others.

ERIN FOREMAN, COACH

Former member Softball Canada’s National Team Program and an NAIA All American, Erin Forman’s  coaching portfolio and overall athleticism speaks to her ongoing passion and contribution  to the sport. As a founding partner, and Director of Softball Development at Rising Stars Groups, Forman continues her commitment to helping others achieve their goals through sport in her professional endeavours. Having led Team Ontario at the 2012 ISF Jr. Men’s World championships,  and coached  the 4-time Provincial Gold Medalists, the Brantford Bobcats,  Forman uses her experiences, her power and her encouragement to support athletes as they develop into confident and competent softball players.

JONI FREI, COACH

Joni Frei, originally from Kelowna B.C is a Chartered Professional Coach and NCCP Competition Development coach through the Coaching Association of Canada. Frei serves as an NCCP Master Learning Facilitator and Coach Evaluator for Softball B.C. as well as a Multi-Sport Facilitator in Mentorship, Managing Conflict, Empower+ and Teaching & Learning modules.  From her professional training  as a teacher and her credentials as a softball coach, Frei is a powerful force when it comes to advancing female coach development, communication and legitimize women in sport!

REBECCA GOUDY, COACH

London, ON native, Rebecca Goudy is the Assistant Coach of the 2017 CCSA National Champions, the Western Mustangs. Goudy’s coaching portfolio extends well beyond her success on the field and includes a seat on Softball Canada's Diversity, Equity and, and Inclusion committee, CANpitch accreditations and several NCCP  certifications. Goudy processes the knowledge, skill, and dedication to offer meaningful mentorship opportunities to developing female coaches from across Canada.

GENEVIÈVE HOULE, COACH

After more than 7 years as technical and development coordinator for Softball Quebec, Geneviève Houle has positioned herself to be Training service coordinator at INS Quebec - National Institute of sport of Quebec and Kinesiologist. NCCP Competition Certified, Houle’s overall athleticism and technical skillset make her an asset in the softball community – as an athlete, coach, and administrator. Currently the Assistant Coach for Team Quebec U16 AAA girls Softball Team, Houle continues to be a driving force behind high performance programs for young females across Quebec. Houle’s success as a coach, and desire to support those around her will make her an ideal mentor for females looking to grow their softball career.

DIANNA JORDISON, COACH

Dianna Jordison, Head Coach with Medicine Hat Minor Softball (MHMSA) demonstrates passion, focus and refinement -both on and off the field. Jordison, a former collegiate athlete herself and MHMSA executive, has been the moving force behind her associations pitching development programs. With a noted objective of “providing an opportunity for everyone”, Jordison spearheads development clinics that enhance the self confidence of her athletes and advances the overall level of play within her community. Sitting as a Coach Mentor as part of Softball Canada’s Female Mentorship Program, Jordison will continue her proven ability to provide advice, support and technical guidance to females looking to achieve their own careers in softball.

TERRY KLEIN, UMPIRE

Terry Klein, Softball Saskatchewan first elected Umpire in Chief is a known trailblazer in the softball community. Klein, a retired physical education teacher and B Certified instructor/ evaluator was also Saskatchewan’s first Level V Certified umpire. While continuing to supervise at major events such as Softball Canada’s U14 Girls Canadian Championship, Klein also devotes her time to the organizations Diversity equity and inclusion committee. Klein’s immense experience and undeniable passion will serve well as she takes on her role of Mentor for Softball Canada’s Female Mentorship Program.

ANNIE MICHAUD, UMPIRE

Softball Quebec’s former Umpire in Chief,  Annie Michaud, has propelled her umpiring career forward since first setting behind the plate in 1997. Following her WBSC certification in 2013, Michaud has represented Canada at the U19 Women’s world cup in 2017 and again in 2019 at the Pan American games in Lima, Peru. With 24 years of experience, Michaud brings a wealth of of technical knowledge to the Program along with the confidence, passion and drive it takes be a working mother of two young girls. Michaud’s desire to equip the next generation of female leaders with tools they need to be successful will make her a valuable addition to the mentorship program

SHIRLEY NEPEAN, COACH

Shirley Nepean, Head Coach of Softball Nova Scotia’s 2021 Canada Games and Inductee into the organization’s Hall of Fame is a pillar for softball within Atlantic Canada. A retired teacher with a master’s degree in Literacy Education, Nepean has continued her passion of teaching through her role as Master Coach Developer and Coach Education Coordinator for Softball Nova Scotia. Her involvement with the organizations Long term athlete development (LTAD) implementation plan and participation with programs from grassroots to high performance demonstrates Nepean’s undeniable passion for all aspects of the game.

SUSAN STRAFFORD, UMPIRE

Softball British Columbia Umpire in Chief, Susan Stafford has over 40 years of softball experience. Having represented Canada at several international events such as the European Women's Fastpitch Championships, the Pan American Games, and the U18 World Qualifiers held in Baranquilla, Colombia, Stafford has acquired a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise behind the plate. A former member of Softball Canada's Officials Development Committee and a Level V Certified WBSC Umpire, Stafford is committed to teaching and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Stafford, undoubtedly, will be a valuable asset to Softball Canada's Female Mentorship Program.

KAREN THULL, COACH

For over 25 years Karen Thull has contributed to the game of Softball throughout Saskatchewan as a player, coach, and administrator. Thull’s success as Head Coach of Softball Saskatchewan’s 2022 Women’s Canada Games Team and Instructor at the Martin Collegiate Softball Academy can be credited to her coaching philosophy - “Investing in the promotion of a team first mindset”. Having recently completed her Advanced Coaching Diploma, being one of only two softball coaches from Saskatchewan to do so, Thull continues to pave the way for aspiring female coaches throughout the province. Thull’s personal goal of attracting athletes of good character, that commit to their own development align well with the objective of Softball Canada’s Female Mentorship Program.

MICHELLE WEBSTER, COACH

Michelle Webster, Manager of Sport Development & Community Engagement with I·SPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council) and Associate Head Coach at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus brings a combination f technical and tactical experience to Softball Canada’s Mentorship program. 2018’s Softball British Columbia’s Coach of the year and recipient of the City of Kelowna Sport Hero Award, Webster’s decorated coaching career can be credited to her enthusiasm, her shared excitement for her athletes’ accomplishments and her articulate and approachable standard of coaching. Webster's technical knowledge, and her ability to give honest and direct feedback will be appreciated Softball Canada as she takes on her role  as a Coach Mentor

ANDREA WOLF, COACH

Andrea Wolf, a member of Softball Canada’s Board of Directors and a graduate of the Canadian Sport Institute (CSI) Advanced Diploma Program boasts an impressive resume, both on and off the field. Having coached teams to medal performances at provincials, Western Canada Summer Games and the Canadian University Nationals, Wolf looks to use her experience in coaching, along with her professional skillset as a woman in business to guide mentees as they navigate the coaching world.