World Softballer of the Year Liam Potts eyes gold as Softball NZ launches new era

WBSC Player of the Year Liam Potts says his focus is firmly on gold as he prepares to represent New Zealand again on the world stage, this time at the U23 Men’s Softball World Cup in Colombia.

The rising Black Sox pitcher will be formally recognised at home during a pinnacle event in the Softball New Zealand calendar, the National Fastpitch Championship (NFC) in Canterbury, where Softball New Zealand will also unveil its refreshed national brand.

“It’s great to be recognised and it’s so cool that I get to share it with my family, friends and teammates,” Potts said.

“But it doesn’t change my focus, drive or ambition to win a gold medal on the world stage.”

The New Zealand men’s softball team, the Black Sox, finished second at the Men’s Softball World Cup last year, a campaign Potts described as a major achievement.

“It was a big success; we went looking for a medal and we found one. We successfully beat so many quality teams and even though we fell just short in the final, we tried our best and put everything into it and at the end of the day that’s all you can ask for.”

Potts said his WBSC Player of the Year award is not his alone.

“I feel like it goes to my team as they were the ones who gave me the confidence to pitch at that level against the best.

“I’m impressed with how far I’ve been able to push myself so far. I am aware that I still have a lot to learn and am looking forward to seeing how far I can go.”

Now his attention turns to the WBSC U23 Men’s Softball World Cup, which takes place from 25 April to 3 May in Sincelejo, Colombia.

“I’m hoping to win,” he said, adding that representing the fern is always a massive milestone.

“It means everything. It is always an honour to put the fern on and play for everyone in New Zealand.”

At just 22 years old, Potts hopes his journey can inspire younger players coming through the system.

“Being a good influence on others is important to me. I am always looking to set the standard and help guide others how to get to or surpass the standard. The time to put in the work is when no one is watching. No matter what you do, if you want something, work for it, it won’t be handed to you.”

Potts will be one of the headline athletes at the National Fastpitch Championship, being held 19 to 22 February 2026 at Dynasty Ballpark in Canterbury.

Hall of Fame honour for Black Sox great

The championship will also see Black Sox stalwart Marty Grant formally presented with his WBSC Hall of Fame award, recognising his outstanding contribution to softball and his legacy within the Black Sox programme.

Softball New Zealand CEO Rebecca Minkley said celebrating both emerging and past greats at the same event highlights the depth of talent and history within the sport.

“Honouring Marty Grant alongside Liam Potts shows the strength of our pathway and the legacy that current players are building on,” she said.

Softball NZ launches refreshed national brand

The tournament marks a major milestone for the sport, with Softball New Zealand officially launching its refreshed national brand during the event, signalling a new chapter for softball in Aotearoa.

“Liam receiving WBSC Player of the Year at his age is not only a personal achievement, it’s a statement to the world that New Zealand produces world-class talent. It inspires the next generation, gives young athletes someone to look up to, and reminds the wider sporting public that softball is a high-performance, globally respected sport,” Minkley said.

She said the timing of the brand refresh reflects a broader shift in how the sport wants to connect with communities.

“This was the right moment because softball in Aotearoa is at a turning point. We have an incredible legacy to honour, but we also need to respond to what our communities are telling us today.

“This refresh is about aligning who we are on the outside with what we’re building on the inside, a modern, inclusive, community-first version of softball that connects people and inspires all generations.”

Minkley said success at the elite level and growth at grassroots level go hand in hand.

“When more people feel invited in, more people stay. When more people stay, clubs get stronger. When clubs get stronger, facilities, pathways, and community diamonds become possible.

“Our vision is an Aotearoa where every community has a diamond and every child has a glove.”

Ambassador of Colombia to attend

Adding to the significance of the occasion, H.E. Ms Isaura Duarte, Ambassador of Colombia, will attend the NFC on 22 February 2026, accompanied by her spouse, Mr Manuel Vasquez.

Minkley said her presence highlights the strong sporting connection between New Zealand and Colombia and the role of softball in fostering international friendship and cultural exchange.

“This occasion will be a significant celebration for our sport, marking the official launch of Softball New Zealand’s new brand identity, the send-off to our Under 23 Black Sox team to the WBSC World Cup in Sincelejo, Colombia, and the presentation of Marty Grant’s WBSC Hall of Fame honour.”

Event details

Event: Softball NZ rebrand launch at the National Fastpitch Championships

Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026

Location: Dynasty Ballpark, Christchurch

Time: 12:45pm to 3:30pm

Finals match: 1pm to 2:30pm

Official presentations and announcements: 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Image Credit: WBSC

Article added: Tuesday 24 February 2026