Provincial U15 pitcher of the year

 Avery Winkworth wins fastball award with a 1.63 ERA and 98 Ks

    November 26 2023

Avery Winkworth, holding her MVP tropy from the Canadian U15 championships, is the 2023 Provincial Women's Softball Association (PWSA) U15 pitcher of the year. 

By Rob J. Ross 

AYLMER, Ont. Avery Winkworth is the 2023 provincial U15 pitcher of the year.

The 15-year old from Aylmer won the Provincial Women's Softball Association (PWSA) Lori Sippel award, for top pitcher in the U15 division.

Over 90 innings pitched this year, Winkworth had a 1.63 earned-run average (ERA) and struck out 98 batters, pitching for the UTM Bandits, based out of Kitchener.

"This award really does mean a lot to me. It just proves to me that all the long hours, weather conditions and injuries, that I have put into the sport I love and enjoy has paid off," Winkworth said. "I think teams are fearful to play against me because I do throw pretty hard for my age and have good movement and am able to hit my spots on a frequent basis, which helps me in the long run of things. I also don't give up if I'm down in the count, which shows that I want to win and will always strive to be better."

The Bandits brought home the silver medal, from the 2023 U15 Canadians, in Brandon, Manitoba this August.

Winkworth was named MVP, with a 2.40 ERA and a .417 batting average, during the qualifying round.

"My career highlight would be winning the MVP at Nationals, which felt really good to be recognized," Winkworth said.

In one game, the Bandit trailed 11-4, but came back to win 12-11.

"Shows that the Bandits will always find a way with the depth we have in the team," Winkworth said.

Overall in 2023, the Bandits were 57-7-2.

Winkworth attends East Elgin secondary school and her dad, Todd, was a long time pitcher in the St. Thomas and District Fastball League and coached with the Springfield Brewers fastball association.