Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Schutt to the role of Sporting Schools Coordinator.
As a passionate and motivated individual with an undeniable love for all things baseball, Jo is the perfect fit for this position. She will be leading the Sporting Schools Program, which is facilitated by qualified and energetic coaches that engage and inspire school students to be active and take up baseball. The program is designed to encourage students of all ages to learn new skills in a safe and fun environment, an ambition Jo feels very strongly about. “I get to go have fun, teach new skills and hopefully create an experience that will inspire kids to find a local club and get more involved in baseball,” Jo said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how successful we can make this program by creating a pathway that will benefit baseball at the grassroots level across Victoria.”
Jo has a wealth of experience that has prepared her for this role. Not only is she a Level 3 Accredited Coach with Baseball Australia, but she’s also a seasoned player and mother who understands how to share her love for the sport with others in an interactive and enthusiastic way. After coaching and playing in her late teens and early 20’s, Jo took a break from the sport, but eventually she found her way back. She began coaching again three years ago with U12’s, and women’s last winter with the Mornington Pirates. During the summer, she’s an active part of the Moorrabin Panthers Women’s team. Baseball is a family affair, as her husband and their 11-year-old son both play, so the majority of her time is spent involved in baseball one way or another.
Jo says one highlight of her coaching career has been recruiting a number of new female players to the sport last winter and seeing their progress and skills development throughout the season. She loves seeing how much fun others have with baseball, and showing how being part of a great team can make all the difference. Focusing on the future, Jo is excited to work with kids and promote T-Ball and baseball as inclusive, all-abilities sports that everyone can enjoy. She will be working with local schools to offer tailored sessions to prepare students for interschool sports tournaments and encourage physical activity and self-confidence.
Welcome aboard, Jo! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish with the Sporting Schools Program
