WILKIE — The ball season has just been extended for one Wilkie family, as Jazen Sittler will be attending the Canadian Fast Pitch Championship in Warman, July 30 to Aug. 3.
Sittler, who will be 16 in August, joined the U17 Battleford Bandits for the first time this year. She got her start with Learn to Play in 2017 with Wilkie Minor Ball. However, the following season did not see a big enough turnout of girls who wanted to play. This led to Sittler travelling to Unity to play with the Panthers for four seasons.
As Sittler gained experience, she found herself wanting to play a higher level of ball. In the 2023 season, she joined the Meadow Lake Sox, an “A” division team. However, she was once again looking for a new team for the 2025 season, as there were not enough players to form a roster.
“It has been a definite change as every team has its own style of play, but the coaches and my teammates have made this an incredible experience filled with unforgettable memories and friendships,” said the teen.
With the excitement of going to nationals, Sittler said this will just add to her growing list of amazing softball opportunities. During the 2022 season, she and teammate Kenzi Hildebrand worked together to pitch a shutout at the 2 District Showcase Championships, capturing gold. She also tried out for the elite 222’s Fast Pitch team based out of Saskatoon later that year and has been playing with the travelling team since, competing at tournaments in San Diego, Sacramento and Nashville.
“Through the 222’s program, I have been so fortunate to have been coached by some of the best coaches in the country. I am truly lucky to have all these opportunities, which have made me the player I am today,” said Sittler in her interview with SaskToday.
“The time and travel commitments for all the team practices and extra private sessions are probably the biggest challenges,” said the teen’s mom, Tami. She also added that there was a quote she saw on social media that sums up how many ball families feel about the commitment:
“People think we’re crazy for spending our entire weekend at a dusty ballpark. They don’t get it. We have a front row seat to watch our favourite person do their favourite thing. That’s not a sacrifice, that is a privilege.” [Author is unknown].
The Battleford Bandits solidified their spot at nationals during their crossover game. With Saskatchewan being the host province, four teams were eligible to qualify. Sittler said they were able to beat the team that was projected to take second place during that crossover game, adding, “I think we are all still in disbelief and haven’t come down from that win yet.”
If playing for the Bandits wasn’t enough to fill her calendar, Sittler also added another team to her schedule — the U9 girls’ softball team in Wilkie.
“I was inspired to give back to the game I love and do some coaching myself. It was so fun to watch them improve each time they stepped foot on the diamond.”
Sittler’s parents, Aaron and Tami, always knew their daughter could play a high level of sport if she wanted to.
“She was always naturally talented at the sport. What we didn’t know is how much she would learn to love the sport and that she would aspire to play at the college level someday,” said Tami.
With Sittler going into Grade 11, she has decided to move to Saskatoon to attend the Tommy Douglas Softball Academy.
“As with anything, if you have big dreams and are willing to put in the hard work, anything is possible. If Jaz believes in herself as much as we believe in her, she will get to wherever she decides to go. For now, being close to the facilities Saskatoon has to offer and more opportunities to work one-on-one with her 222’s coaches will help her get there,” added Tami.
