Dariér Malone and Claury Scatliffe returned home to a welcome celebration following their win with team Great Britain at the 2025 European Baseball Championships. Photo: VISBA

Vice President of the Virgin Islands Softball/Baseball Association (VISBA), Roxanne McNeil, has said the Virgin Islands is producing world-class baseball and softball athletes. Photo: Facebook

Ms McNeil made these remarks during a welcome ceremony for Dariér Malone and Claury Scatliffe, who were part of the Great Britain Baseball National Women’s Team, which won the 2025 European Baseball Championships recently. 

The championships were held in Czechia from August 14 to 17, 2025, with Great Britain securing a 9-7 win over the host country, Czechia. 

Not only were the two part of the winning team, Dariér was named Most Valuable Player while Claury was named Best Pitcher. 

“Their stellar performances were key to their team’s success, and their achievements shine bright as examples of what talent, discipline and determination can achieve,” McNeil said. 

This isn’t just any old thing

She also highlighted that Great Britain U23 Men’s also won their European Baseball Championship with Virgin Islander Jay D. Smith playing a significant role. 

“We have to keep talking about it, because this isn’t just any old thing. This is a big, big, big thing. These back-to-back triumphs prove that the Virgin Islands is producing athletes who are a rising force in the world of baseball and softball.”

McNeil added that these accomplishments also highlight the opportunities available for the Territory’s young athletes through softball and baseball. “VISBA remains committed to seeking every avenue for advancement, ensuring that our athletes can compete, excel, and shine on international stages.”

No overnight success

McNeil said these kinds of successes do not happen overnight as it takes years of preparation, sacrifice and training, adding, “Much of which was started right here at home in our National Soft Pitch League.”

This foundation, she continued, prepared these athletes for the global stage. It also proves that investing in local development pays off, McNeil said.

To the three athletes, McNeil said, “You have made us proud. You have inspired a new generation of athletes to dream big, work hard, and believe that they, too, can stand on the global stage.”