Softball Australia is thrilled to announce the appointment of four exceptional individuals to key Team Manager positions within our organisation. These appointments signify a commitment to excellence and leadership as we continue to foster the growth and development of softball in Australia. 

Jacqui Dunn - Aussie Spirit Team Manager
With an impressive track record in sports management and a high-performance mindset, Jacqui Dunn steps into the role of Aussie Spirit Team Manager. With seven years of involvement in the Australian Open Women’s softball program, Jacqui has honed her skills and knowledge through extensive national and international travel, collaborating with diverse support staff and athletes. Prior to her tenure in softball, Jacqui gained invaluable team manager experience in gymnastics, having previously competed internationally as an athlete. Her exceptional achievements as an elite athlete, including induction into the AIS Hall of Fame for Gymnastics and winning a gold medal in the women’s all around team event and bronze medal in the balance beam event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, exemplify her dedication to sporting excellence. Jacqui's passion for sport, combined with her experience as a former elite athlete and her current career in sports management, position her as a valuable asset in achieving positive outcomes for the Aussie Spirit. 

Janell Behrendt - U-19 Women's Team Manager
Janell Behrendt brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. With an extensive background that includes serving as Team Manager for the U-18 Women’s Team at multiple World Cups and involvement in Australian pathways programs as a coach for over a decade, Janell has demonstrated her commitment to player development and high-performance pathways. Her tenure as an Open Women’s National Selector since 2007 has provided her with invaluable insights into player development and international sports will be vital in supporting the newly appointed U-19 Head Coach, Leigh Godfrey, and in nurturing the talents of our U-19 Women's Team and future Aussie Spirit players. 

Bec Ireland - U-16 Women's Team Manager
Bec Ireland's appointment as the U-16 Women's Team Manager underscores our commitment to providing a supportive and empowering environment for young athletes. Her passion for player development is on evident, with previous experience serving as Team Manager for numerous national and international tournaments and high-performance camps. Her most recent achievements include Team Manager of U-16 Women’s Team at the 2023 Canada Cup and a combined role as Team Manager for both the U-18 Women’s and Aussie Steelers Men’s teams at the recent World Cup Qualifier’s in American Samoa. 

Andrea Mansfield - Elite Battery Academy Team Manager
With over 45 years of involvement in the sport of softball, Andrea's passion for the game is not only deep-rooted but also unwavering. Andrea brings an unparalleled level of experience and dedication to her role with a diverse background encompassing player, scorer, coach, and team manager roles. Her recent achievements include serving as Team Manager for the Australia A Women’s Softball Team at the 2023 Canada Cup and managing Softball Victoria U-18 & Open Women’s state teams. 

These appointments reflect our continued efforts to strengthen softball in Australia and provide our athletes with the support and guidance they need to succeed on and off the field. We extend our congratulations to Jacqui, Janell, Bec, and Andrea, and we look forward to their contributions in their respective roles.