Geraldton's softball star Jy Thurstun leads the country on the national stage at the Oceanic Series
Mid West softball superstar Jy Thurstun has once again added to his impressive sporting CV, with the 20-year-old recently given the honour of leading the country on the national stage at the 2025 Oceanic Series.
Selected for the under-23 Australian Oceanic team, Thurstun was rewarded for his leadership qualities when he was given the co-captaincy as the team travelled to Palmerston North, New Zealand earlier this month.
Thurstun, along with fellow co-captain Cody Smith of VIctoria, led the squad over the five game series. Serving as a gateway to the World Cup next year, the series was a pivotal tour for the squad as they look to defend their men's world champs title.
Australia won three of the five games against New Zealand over the three-day tour in what Thurstun described as an important experience as a team.
'It was a bit of an up-and-down affair but a great tour nonetheless,' he said.
'It was a great experience, we all had a lot of fun.'
No stranger to a leadership position, Thurstun said it was a pleasant surprise to be rewarded with the role of leading the country on the big stage.
'I've always had some sort of leadership or captain role in a few different teams I've been a part of, but to be announced co-captain of the Australian team, that was unreal,' he said.
'It took me by surprise, but it was a great experience.
'I love the role and hopefully it is more of what's to come.'
Recently moving down to Perth to pursue his sporting aspirations, Thurstun has landed on his feet as he continues to excel in softball and is currently playing for Fremantle CBC in the Perth Football League this season.
'Perth certainly keeps me busy,' Thurstun said.
'It has been great and I can definitely see improvements in my sporting ability since moving down.'
Thurstun now has his eyes set on the Softball World Cup in Colombia next year as he continues to shine bright for the country on the diamond.
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