2026 Hellas Softball Invitational Training Camp takes place at the International Olympic Academy

By Chrysi Polydoros & George Vassilas

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, GREECE — The Hellas National Softball Team (HNST) officially commenced its invitational training camp at the prestigious International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Ancient Olympia with a moving opening ceremony that celebrated heritage, excellence, and the enduring spirit of representing Greece on the international stage.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Kostis Liarommatis, President of the Hellenic Baseball Softball Federation (HBSF), who reflected on the profound significance of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of not only the Olympic Games, but of all sports, and the timeless values of sports, unity, and respect that continue to inspire athletes from around the world.

Head Coach Chelsea Lisikatos challenged the athletes to embrace the true meaning of honor. "I want for you to remember the weight that you’re carrying and representing, and the honor that you have and we’re given. The word that just keeps coming is honor, and what an honor it is for you to be here, and what an honor it is you should feel that you are allowed to be a part of this. I hope you feel you are honoring your family,” says Lisikatos.

One of the ceremony's most memorable moments came as each athlete was individually welcomed by President Liarommatis and presented with a commemorative gift. Before

receiving their gift, every athlete shared the name(s) of the person they honor each time they wear the colors of Greece. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, and great-grandparents

were remembered with pride, and for many athletes and coaches, the deeply personal tributes became emotional moments that reflected the sacrifices and legacy of previous generations.

Representing Greece requires more than athletic excellence. Every member of the HNST must be a Greek citizen. While many athletes were born and raised abroad, including in the United States, Canada, and Australia, they proudly hold dual Greek citizenship and remain deeply connected to their Greek heritage.

Twenty-four athletes are participating in the invitational training camp:

Christaana Angelopulos, Constantina Bournias, Evangeline Bournias, Alessandra Iliakis, Eva Korastis, Kirsten Malasky, Veriniki Maniadi, Sylvia Mudis, Brianna Nykaza, Sophie Pappas, Seveene Patakos, Georgia Polydoros, Selina Psarras, Ava Scapin, Sydney Scapin, Marissa Thalassinos, Chloe Trimandilis, Demetra Trimis, Sophia Vlahos, Ava Voris, Maddie Votsis, Kasey Xenidis, Maria Zepeda,

Sofia Zepeda.

The coaching staff includes Head Coach Chelsea Lisikatos, Assistant Coaches Misty

Beaver, Nick Lisikatos, and William Ortiz Jr., along with Athletic Trainer Nikoleta Baxevanakis.

Training sessions throughout the week are taking place on the International Olympic Academy's football field, which has been specially transformed into a provisional softball training venue, an extraordinary setting where modern athletes prepare for international competition while surrounded by the birthplace of the Olympic movement.

The training camp represents a significant milestone in the continued growth of softball in Greece and underscores the Hellenic Baseball Softball Federation's commitment to developing elite athletes while strengthening the connection between Greek communities around the world and their ancestral homeland.

Following the conclusion of training camp, sixteen athletes will travel to Ostrava, Czech Republic, where they will represent Greece at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's U22 European Championship, competing against Europe's top national teams.

As the athletes prepare to compete on the international stage, their journey begins where the Olympic ideals were first born, reminding them that wearing "ΕΛΛΑΣ" across their chest represents not only a nation, but generations of family, history, and pride. "“I want you to feel that when you put that jersey on, you represent an entire lineage of people that wanted more for their family," said Lisikatos.