They haven香蕉视频直播檛 played an official game together yet, but members of the UBC Okanagan Heat women香蕉视频直播檚 softball team are ready for their inaugural season playing in the WCSA.

Just over six months ago, the idea of a collegiate level softball team in the Okanagan was simply that香蕉视频直播攁n idea.

Now, with just two weeks of practice under their belts, the Heat will play their first game in the Western Collegiate Softball Association this weekend.

That might be scary for some coaches, but not for Heat skipper Joni Frei.

香蕉视频直播淲e香蕉视频直播檙e not focusing on any challenges other than overcoming them,香蕉视频直播� Frei said.

香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 been pretty magical these past few weeks and we香蕉视频直播檙e excited to get on the field and see what this team can do.

香蕉视频直播淏ut it香蕉视频直播檚 not how you start, it香蕉视频直播檚 how you finish and we香蕉视频直播檙e looking forward to stepping out on the field everyday as a team.香蕉视频直播�

READ MORE: Securing Olympic spot the latest test for Canadian softball squad at B.C. tournament

Frei has been coaching softball her entire life. She grew up in Kelowna, graduated from Mount Boucherie Secondary and has coached at almost all levels of women香蕉视频直播檚 softball.

Starting a collegiate level softball team in the Okanagan was something Frei looked into after returning to Canada from coaching in the U.S. almost 10 years ago.

Frei has recruited players from across Canada and the U.S. to fill out the UBCO roster.

While Frei香蕉视频直播檚 experience was a big drawing point for some of the players, she has also put together a passionate, experienced and dedicated coaching staff to get the Heat program off the ground.

香蕉视频直播淭here was no shortage of people wanting to help and support,香蕉视频直播� she said.

香蕉视频直播淲e have 10 coaches, eight of them women and all hands are on deck. People are buying and owning their roles and that is what has made this team possible.香蕉视频直播�

READ MORE: Okanagan draws in Metro Vancouver softball star

Like most Canadian university sports programs, community support is needed to support the women香蕉视频直播檚 softball team.

The Heat has secured support from Coca-Cola and Sun-Rype and is hoping to enhance that community investment in the future.

The challenge at the team香蕉视频直播檚 outset will be to reward the community香蕉视频直播檚 faith in the women香蕉视频直播檚 softball program, she acknowledges.

香蕉视频直播淭hese girls are used to challenges,香蕉视频直播� said Frei.

香蕉视频直播淚 like that they香蕉视频直播檙e fresh and not fatigued from a long summer. We have depth, talent, numbers and a great coaching staff.

香蕉视频直播淲e aim to compete in this league, and we香蕉视频直播檙e going to do it in our own classy way.香蕉视频直播�

The UBCO Heat first game in the WCSA will be on their home diamond against the Calgary Dinos at Nigh Noon Park tonight (Friday), 6 p.m.

It will be familiar terrain for Frei as she often played softball at High Noon growing up in the Okanagan.

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