Hellas National Softball Team Gears Up for 2025

By Sophia Karavantos-Schnur

The Hellas National Softball Team is the official women’s softball program governed by the Hellenic Baseball and Softball Federation (HBSF) and sanctioned by WBSC Europe. The team brings together elite Greek athletes, many of whom have secured Greek citizenship through heritage allowing them to compete internationally and pursue qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The current coaching staff reflects the team’s serious push toward Olympic qualification. Head Coach Jay Nelson, former Rutgers University softball coach, was appointed in late 2023 to lead Greece through this next competitive cycle. His leadership brings extensive NCAA experience and a strategic vision for international success. Supporting him are assistant coaches Misty Jenkins and Laurie Markatos, who bring technical depth and firsthand knowledge of high level softball. In early 2025, athletic trainer Nikoleta Baxevanakis joined the team to oversee injury and to ensure peak performance among the athletes. This dynamic team of professionals illustrates the federation’s commitment to long term development.

Team Hellas to compete in two key international tournaments this year. First, they will compete in the Canada Cup (July 7–13) in Surrey, British Columbia, a globally recognized event featuring top national and club teams from around the world. Later in the year, they will participate in the WBSC Europe Women’s Softball Championship (September 7–13) in Prague, Czech Republic. Success in these events is essential to positioning Greece as a contender on the world stage and maintaining momentum in their Olympic campaign.

With a talented pool of dual national athletes, strong coaching leadership, and a competitive calendar, Team Hellas is on an upward trajectory. The 2025 season will be crucial in setting the tone for the push toward Olympic qualification. Combining international experience, strategic development, and cultural pride, the Greek National Softball Team is writing its next chapter, one that could lead straight to Los Angeles.