Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 8:00 pm CST.
Belize Women’s National Softball Team beat Honduras 10-6. Photo Credit: XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025
By Rubén Morales Iglesias:
A Long-Awaited Return Ends in Disappointment
After a 12-year absence from regional competition, the Belize Women’s National Softball Team returned to the Central American Games in Guatemala City with high hopes and national pride. But after five tough outings, including a lone win against Honduras, the team closed their campaign with a 1–4 record — prompting reflection from fans, coaches, and one of Belize’s most decorated softball legends.
Keneshia Sutherand – Photo Credit: Keneshia Sutherkand/Facebook
Keneshia Sutherland, once hailed as the best pitcher in Central America, took to social media to express her disappointment and concern for the sport she helped elevate.
“I’m feeling really disappointed in softball right now… never thought the sport I love so much would leave me feeling like this,” Sutherland said.
Match Results Reveal Gaps in Preparation
Belize opened their tournament on Friday, October 24, with a 1–17 loss to El Salvador. The following day, they fell 1–8 to Nicaragua before bouncing back with a 10–6 win over Honduras. But Sunday and Monday brought further setbacks — a 3–13 loss to Panama and a 1–15 defeat to host nation Guatemala.
Sutherland, who has long advocated for better training and mentorship in Belizean softball, said watching the games unfold was heartbreaking.
“Belize used to dominate that tournament, and seeing how far we’ve fallen was truly hard to watch,” she stated. “The silly mistakes, the lack of communication, the pitchers throwing balls with no movement… it all showed we just weren’t ready.”
Belize Women’s National Softball Team – Photo Credit: XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025
“The Silence on the Field Said It All”
Her critique focused on fundamentals — the connection between pitchers and catchers, the energy on the field, and the absence of leadership during tough moments.
“Pitchers and catchers are supposed to control the game, set the tone, and lead the team, but that connection wasn’t there,” Sutherland said. “No one was lifting each other up after mistakes or keeping the energy alive. The silence on the field said it all.”
“Both infielders and outfielders were making basic errors that only caused more problems and showed a lack of preparation and communication,” she added.
A Call to Rebuild with Coaching and Commitment
Sutherland emphasized that her frustration stems not from doubt, but from belief in Belize’s potential. She’s offered her expertise in pitching over the years and continues to call for structured training for both players and coaches.
“I’ve always offered to help in the area of pitching as my way of giving back to the sport I love because I know how much potential we have if the right guidance and preparation are there,” she said.
“I don’t fully blame the players because some of them might simply not know,” Sutherland explained. “That’s why the association needs to start holding proper training sessions for both coaches and players if we truly want to get back to where we once were.”
Belize Women’s National Softball Team scores against Nicaragua on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Photo Credit: XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025
“I’m honestly disappointed not because I don’t believe in them but because I know what Belize softball used to be,” she said. “We’ve worn that pride before, and we can again. But preparation, coaching, and teamwork have to mean something.”
The Belize Women’s National Team showed flashes of promise — particularly in their win over Honduras — but struggled to maintain consistency across the tournament.
Sutherland’s final words served as a reminder of what’s at stake when representing the Jewel on the international stage.
“When you step on that field internationally, you’re not just representing yourself. You’re representing Belize,” she said. “People may forget your name, but they’ll never forget where you came from.”
“And yes, I can talk — because I once held the title of Best Pitcher in Central America,” Sutherland concluded.
As Guatemala advanced to the finals with an 8–7 win over El Salvador on Tuesday, Belize’s campaign came to a close. But for Sutherland and many others, the conversation about rebuilding Belizean softball is just beginning.
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The post Central American Games: “Watching Team Belize play in Guatemala City broke my heart” — Belize’s legendary pitcher Keneshia Sutherland urges reform appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 8:00 pm CST. Belize Women’s National Softball Team beat Honduras 10-6. Photo Credit: XII Juegos Centroamericanos Guatemala 2025 By Rubén Morales
The post Central American Games: “Watching Team Belize play in Guatemala City broke my heart” — Belize’s legendary pitcher Keneshia Sutherland urges reform appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
