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VI is producing baseball/softball athletes who are a ‘rising force’- VISBA VP Roxanne McNeil

-Dariér Malone & Claury Scatliffe return home after their European Baseball Championship win with Great Britain
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
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
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI- Vice President of the Virgin Islands Softball/Baseball Association (VISBA), Roxanne McNeil, has said the Virgin Islands (VI) is producing world-class baseball and softball athletes.

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.”

4 Responses to “VI is producing baseball/softball athletes who are a ‘rising force’- VISBA VP Roxanne McNeil ”

  • Congratulations (20/08/2025, 15:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats ladies.
  • History (20/08/2025, 17:17) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    As McNeil said, this is a big, big deal!! What these two amazing athletes did was make history for the BVI. I am not sure, if any other athlete from the BVI competed on an international stage as was named MVP (i.e. out of hundreds of athletes you did the very best). This cannot be understated. Additionally, Ms Scatliffe, held the other team scoreless for the innings pitched to allow the GB Team to come back to secure the win against the hometown team....talk about pressure! This is history and should be documented as such! Not forgetting Mr Smith who was stellar in his efforts as well. Congratulations to All.
  • Stealth (20/08/2025, 21:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Softball, the national sport, is dying on the vine. It needs a revival, a renaissance, a shot in the arm, etc. There is not even a regulation size softball field in the BVI. The E. Walwyn Brewley Softball Complex, the only complex in the territory, was damaged in 2017 by monster Hurricane Irma but not much has been done to rebuild it. Shameless neglect of the national sport. Why the indifference to and about the sport? Softball returns to the Olympics in 2028 in LA. Will the BVI send a women and men team to the Olympics? It is a tribute to the players who are top performers in spite of the insufficient support of the sport.
  • Flowers (21/08/2025, 12:24) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Firstly, congratulations to Ms Malone and Ms Scatliffe. Hell of a job and your must be recognized. Now, I watched the ceremony at the airport on JTV and felt so proud for both ladies. I listened to the statement by the Minister of Education which included the mention of grants and partnerships. Correct me if I am wrong and will touch a nerve. Has the Ministry/Govt., stopped providing or rewarding our athletes who excel or accomplish goals on an International stage? I did not hear anything about ay of these ladies receiving a monetary reward or similar that may be of great use to any of them; no matter their family status. They are the two that performed and gave the effort while bringing attention to the BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. Come on, don't be afraid to ask on behalf of these ladies. Are they worthy of a financial gift or not. Flowers don't pay bills. Again, so proud of you Ms Malone and young Ms Scatliffe. You both deserve everything you desire.


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