With the start of the new season, the VirginIslands Softball-Baseball Association (VISBA) has welcomed a new executive body, signaling change for the future of softball and baseball in the territory.
The new team consists:
President Glenford Maduro aka 'Chappy"
Vice President Roxanne McNeil
Secretary General Bria Smith
President of Softball Affairs Dariér Malone
President of Baseball Affairs Josh Ridgway
Treasurer Lencia Mills
Assistant Treasurer Shermiker Nibbs-Samuel
Assistant Secretary Sarah Potter-Washington
Public Relations Officer Akiema Brookes.
The first event under the new committee is the 2025 National Fast pitch League under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Recognising the Present, Looking Towards the Future.”
Public Relations Officer for VISBA, Akiema Brookes, stated that the theme encompasses the executives’ plans for year one as a body. VISBA has also introduced a new logo that embodies the organisation’s direction and vision for the future.
The Executive has already begun working to establish a website and database that will document and preserve the history of past contributors who have played a significant role in shaping the sport, starting with former administrators, executive members, and past honourees.
A major milestone for the sport this year is the long-awaited official confirmation from theWorld Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) of VISBA as the internationally recognised governing body for both softball and baseball in the Virgin Islands, a process that began in 2016.
The new body has a lot planned for their tenure, including facility upgrades, a regulated stadium design and implementation plan. All in an effort as the association looks to bid for qualifying tournaments, contributing to the growth of sports tourism in the Virgin Islands, while elevating the sport.
"This year, the league will feature seven men’s and five women’s teams. Beyond local competitions, VISBA is also setting its sights on international representation." said Brookes
The association is preparing to field the 2025-2028 Women’s National Team for an upcoming CAC Games qualifying tournament in October while also launching the Men’s Softball National Team, further expanding opportunities for Virgin Islands athletes on the global stage.