While most of Renee Trotman’s friends were playing ice hockey and lacrosse, she was dreaming about making the trek south to play college softball in the United States. Even though softball isn’t Canada’s go-to sport, it was for Trotman growing up in the frozen tundra. Having had an uncle who coached some of the best teams Canada had to offer, it seemed only natural for this third baseman/pitcher to take up the sport. 

Watching his daughter develop her softball talent, Shawn Trotman knew they were facing an uphill battle of getting her noticed by top Division I schools in the States and finding strong enough competition in Canada to continue her growth.

“There is a big difference in training and philosophy between Canada and the US,” Trotman explained. “As a 2019 now, Renee would have to play 18U in Canada to see any real type of competition.”

Knowing his daughter’s potential, Trotman knew he needed to get her on a US travel ball club. While playing 12U ball, Renee managed to find herself on the Amherst Lightning club team out of Western New York, traveling four hours round trip for practice. After his daughter and the Lightning won the 12U Open World Series in Ocean City, Maryland, a “light went on” for both Shawn and Renee about the next steps they needed to take on her softball journey. 

Fast forward several years, Renee is now playing with NY Inferno 16U Showcase team and has a special invitation to the Jr. National Team Camp as an underage player! This coming summer, Renee will be competing against players three to four years her elder in order to secure a spot on Canada's 2017 Junior National Team.   

We had an opportunity to speak with Renee and learn more about this 2019 Rising Star!

How did you first get involved with softball living in Canada?
My Uncle coached some the the best teams in Canada and encouraged me to play, so I started training with my uncle and the national team players he coached. I met all the girls, had a great experience, and wanted to be like them. 

You play both third base and pitcher. Do you have a primary position?
Third — I love the infield! I really fell in love with the infield playing with the Amherst Lightening team the year we won the World Series. That’s when I won Defensive MVP of the tournament. 

How long have you been playing with the NY Inferno 16U team?
This is my first year with them. I played against them quite a bit when I was a member of the Scarborough Rays team. I got to know them and we became friends. 

You’ve had interest from several universities here in the States. What schools are looking at you?
I’ve gone to camps at University of Central Florida, Campbell University, and just got back from Michigan’s elite camp January 9. I’ve also taken an unofficial visit to Ohio State and the University of Virginia is also very interested in me. 

Do you know what you want to study in college?
I’d like to study pathology, so education is going to be really important to me wherever I go. 

Have you experienced any difficulties getting recruited being from Canada?
I used to think I wouldn’t be able to get a scholarship, but playing with the Amherst Lightning really opened my eyes. It gave me more hope. Now I realize it doesn’t matter where I live.  

What’s the biggest difference between softball in Canada and the United States?
Definitely training. They’re more laid back in Canada. In the USA it’s like a lifestyle, but in Canada most people play just for fun. Softball in the US is like hockey in Canada; it becomes your lifestyle. There’s also a lot more travel in the US for softball and practices are run a lot faster and better in the States.

You train at a top-tier facility in Canada called Twist Conditioning. What type of training are you doing now?
We spend a lot of time on running technique and I lift twice a week. We do a lot of complex training with squats and deadlifts.

How has your training impacted your game?
I definitely have a stronger swing and throw harder. I also run a lot faster and I’ve really learned to use my legs in everything I do. 

What’s been your best softball experience so far?
I would have to say last spring break when I was with the Rays. All the players took a trip to Georgia and played several of the best club teams in the state. We also got to visit the University of Georgia, Georgia State, and North Georgia and practice on their fields! The facilities were amazing.