Softball Australia is deeply saddened to announce the passing of 1965 World Champion, Nancy Whittingham in Adelaide, South Australia on Sunday 20^th October 2024 aged 89.

As a player, Nancy is a World Champion, however her legacy to the game of softball across all facets is remarkable, particularly in her home state of South Australia. On an administrative, coaching and playing level, Nancy’s impact on South Australian softball is immeasurable. Nancy was awarded Life Membership of Softball South Australia in 1977, and was one of the first people to be inducted into the South Australian Softball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Nancy was the 48^th player to represent the Australian Open Women’s Softball team, making her international debut for her country at the 1962 Test Series against New Zealand. She played 33 games for Australia, including being a member of the World Championship winning team in the first Women’s World Championship in 1965. Nancy toured New Zealand and South Africa as part of the national team, igniting a passion for travelling abroad.

The uniquely talented South Australian was Vice Captain of the World Championship winning team, playing right field in the final. She described the winning feeling as euphoric and that every game other than that final game fading into memory.

Widely regarded as a student of the game, Nancy became Australian Umpire #AA29 in 1963, then turned to coaching on her retirement. She was appointed to the coaching staff of the Australian Open Women’s team from 1982 to 1986, including a period of where she was the Head Coach. It was here where she applied her professional qualifications in kinesiology to bring a more technical preparation to the athletes under her guidance.

Softball Australia interviewed Nancy ahead of the 50^th year World Championship anniversary in 2015 and it was clear from the outset the immense pride Nancy had for being Vice Captain of the team and described this as one of her greatest honours. While reluctant to single out any player, she gave a special mention to her captain, Gladys Phillips for her leadership and compassion. She had a deep admiration for all her teammates, highlighting their skill and commitment and describing that tournament as a time where they “were all there together and for one another”, a formula that was the key to success against a formidable USA team.

Alongside the members of the 1965 World Champions, Nancy was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and the team was recognised by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as the 2014 Team Sport Australia Award.

Nancy also contributed to the development of the game of softball on a national administrative level, serving on the Softball Australia Board from 1984-1987. She was also appointed to the inaugural Australian Coaching Committee in 1983, a position she held alongside fellow softball legends, Audrey McLaughlin (Qld), Shirley Schneider (WA) and Joan Fitton (NSW).

After Nancy’s passing her family conveyed that in recent years as Nancy’s health declined that each time she read about her achievements in softball, it still brought a smile and immense pride.

Softball in Australia is better for the contribution of Nancy Whittingham, her commitment, knowledge and skill, and passion. Her core principles of dedication, hard work, respect and teamwork will be her legacy for the current and future generations of our game.

Softball Australia extends our deepest sympathies to Nancy’s family and friends on her passing. Nancy’s contribution to the game of softball will forever be remembered with a deep sense of gratitude and pride.

Vale Nancy.

The funeral to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held on Tuesday 29 October at 2pm at Fulham Funerals, 137-139 Holbrooks Road, Underdale, SA.  It will be live streamed for those unable to be in attendance.