GB Baseball U12 Coaching Team
We are delighted to announce the coaching staff for the GB U12s. Good luck to all the players and coaches this season.
#LetsGoGB
Chris Ward, Head Coach of the U12s, has rounded out his coaching staff with Jamie Dix, Jessica Vernon, Laura Hirai and Paul Vernon.
“I couldn’t be happier with the coaching staff we have been able to secure to support our U12s,” said Ward. “Each of these inspirational leaders brings their own unique perspective and expertise to the programme and some have been involved for a long time, developing this age group and helping us focus on achieving greatness”
Jamie Dix - Assistant Coach
Jamie Dix is a graduate of the Great Britain baseball programme having been selected and played for every age group from u12 in 2007 to the Senior national team. Jamie has been an integral part of the U12 coaching staff for many years. His mindset and focus on developing our offensive strategy has put this team in positions to succeed time and again. He is a secondary school PE teacher by profession and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position.
“I am so delighted and humbled to be a part of the u12 coaching staff,” said Jamie. “The kids in the u12 team are the future of the programme and I can’t describe how excited I am to get to work with them!”
Jessica Vernon - Assistant Coach
Jess has participated in all disciplines of softball and baseball including founding and driving the Belles Baseball programme to two Women’s Baseball League championships whilst driving athletes into the sport. An integral part of the Great Britain Women's National Team, Jess brings with her confidence and experience to lead teams of all ages to excellence.
“I'm so excited to be part of the Great Britain Baseball coaching staff and to be working with the next generation of players in this country,” said Jess. “I hope to demonstrate to girls that baseball is a place for them to come, play ball, coach and compete.”
Laura Hirai - Pitching Coach
Having represented Great Britain Baseball (U16, U18 and Women’s) and Great Britain Softball (U13, U15, U19, U22, Women’s), Laura brings with her vast experience in elite baseball competition and knows what it takes to develop from a youth athlete in the British Baseball system to an elite competitor on the world stage. Laura was a starting pitcher, and the only female athlete on the GB baseball youth programmes. Her experience is set to drive development of our athletes for years to come.
“It is a privilege to give back to a programme that has given and continues to give me great opportunities to learn, grow and inspire.” said Laura
“Thank you to Head Coach, Chris Ward for trusting me to support this bright GB u12 team.
It has been a lot of fun working with the players this off-season, and the marginal gains are being made to win on the European and world stage.”
Paul Vernon - Bench Coach
Having coached GB teams at u15, u18 and senior levels on 22 occasions between 1999 and 2011, Paul has coached players who are now household names to those involved with Great Britain Baseball. Gavin Marshall, Liam Carroll, Will Lintern and Jonathan Cramman have all benefited from Paul’s experience.
Paul coached Bracknell's youth teams to four National Championships between 2005 and 2009 and was on the coaching staff of the Bracknell Blazers when they won the National Championships in 2009.
When asked about his appointment, Paul said “When Chris asked me to join this staff as a late replacement last year I was delighted to rekindle my relationship with GB Baseball more than ten years after I stepped away from my previous involvement.
I'm just as delighted to be asked to join Chris's staff following his official appointment. I'm really looking forward to working alongside and learning from some exceptional coaches and hopefully influencing some of the country's best young players.”
U12 2024 European Championship Qualifier and Operations Management
The Great Britain U12 National Baseball Team will be competing in the 2024 European Championship Qualifier in Trnava, Slovakia in July.
To get there and be successful, the staff need to be completed with an Operations Manager, someone who can coordinate team and coaching staff in the lead-up to and during the European Championship Qualifier.
If you are interested in helping provide this vital role for GB Baseball, and working with this incredible staff, please contact Chris Ward at chris.ward@gb-baseball.com
