Penrith City Softball Association's Matt Beach has enjoyed a multi-faceted career in softball across disciplines of playing, umpiring and coaching at local, state and national levels. While he has been with his local association for many years now, Matt made his NSW debut at the 2018 Under 23 National Championship, also going onto win the Pitcher of the Tournament award the following year in the same tournament. He continued to feature in the Under 23 Men's team for the state in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the Championship as well. 

Currently holding a level 4 accreditation in umpiring, Matt has officiated at the 2022 Under 18 National Championships, the 2023 Under 16 National Championships as well as many State Championships as well. Matt's coaching highlights include being the head coach of Penrith City Softball Association's Under 14 Boys from 2018-2022, serving as an assistant coach at the Western Sydney Academy of Sport from 2020-2023, as well as coaching the 2021 NSW Under 14 Boys Metro Slammers team that went onto win the NSW Tri Series. More recently, Matt made his debut as coach at the national level with the NSW Under 19 Men's team that went on to win the Nox Bailey Shield.

A dedicated volunteer of the game, the 22-year-old was recognised for his efforts two years ago when he was named Youth Volunteer of the Year at the Softball NSW Awards.

We caught up with him recently to learn more about his love for softball which continues to drive him as a player, umpire and coach. 

What are some of your earliest memories of softball?

My earliest memories of softball would be playing Under 5's Benny Ball at PCSA for Glenmore Park Softball Club; I still remember running around the bases in an oversized white shirt!

Any memorable moments from your experience at the Nationals?

Every National Championship has its memorable moments, however, this year was particularly special - I won my first ever National Championship title at the U19 Nox Bailey Shield in WA! Being a part of the U19 NSW Boys crew was pretty amazing, and to be able to do it with some of Australia’s most esteemed coaches made the experience all the more memorable.

Umpiring at the U16 National Championships this year gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing people from all across the country, forging many friendships that I will cherish for years to come.

Similarly, playing at the U23 Nationals was an experience I will never forget. Blessed with the opportunity to reconnect with mates from all across the country and to be able to play against many top-quality oppositions. The results, unfortunately, didn’t go our way in the end, but the journey and experiences were just as important to me.

Tell us more about how Penrith City Softball Association has, over the years, harboured a great environment for softball.

I personally believe that Penrith City Softball Association has created and has continued to nurture a great environment for Softball through the various coaches & leaders who have come through our Association. Right from teeball all the way to Open's age groups, PCSA instils and passes down a strong sense of professionalism, guidance & respect for the game - including lessons of life that can be transferred to assist our members in becoming better versions of themselves.

Having been a player, umpire and coach, what are some life lessons you have learnt along the way?

A memorable life lesson that I have learnt throughout my early career in Softball, is to always focus on what is within your control.

As a player, there are many things that are not within our control - be it an umpire's call, or a coach's decision on whether we are within the starting 9. However, a player's application and integrity towards the sport will always be within their control. Application and integrity are values that I have nurtured so far throughout my career, and they are qualities that are building blocks for success.

We’re going to put you in a spot with this, but if you had to pick just one thing to do for the rest of your life from among playing, umpiring and coaching, what would you pick and why?

You definitely threw me under the bus there haha! I’d love to play for the rest of my life - that would be absolutely amazing.

However, I love coaching The adventure of a coach is pretty fascinating. As coaches, we have a duty to develop and shape the future generations of our sport. Seeing the development of a player from when you first start coaching them to when they finally reach a goal of theirs, is such an enriching experience. An experience that reminds us as coaches why we do what we do - to give back to the game and to pass on our knowledge so that the game of Softball can live on!

Any shoutouts you’d like to give to people in your life who have had a hand in getting you where you are?

My coaches have all had a significant impact on my journey as a player- right from club, representative, academy all the way to NSW, I have had the absolute privilege to be coached by so many legends of our game, and without their leadership & guidance, I’m sure I would not have been the player I am today.

To my umpiring & coaching mentors - quite often in Softball you need to form a little pit crew to help get you through the challenges you face, but also to have people who you can cherish the memories & rewards with. I’m lucky enough to have some amazing mentors who have & continue to guide me.

My family & my partner have continually stood by me throughout my career as a player, coach and umpire, and have encouraged me to continue shooting for the stars. Their love and support towards my softball adventures have been my rock solid, and without them, I would never have been able to achieve what I have so far in my career.

Why is softball Everyone’s Game?

I believe softball is everyone’s game because of the people. The softball community is composed of so many caring, devoted, generous and loving people. They create a diverse and passionate environment, which can include anyone. Without them, our sport would not be the best game in the world!