The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOR the second time in its history, the New Providence Softball Association will have a female president after former player turned scorer

Desiree Taylor was elected unopposed.

Taylor, who has been a part of the NPSA as a player and pitcher since 1999, follows in the footsteps of Loretta Maycock, who broke the mantle when she took the inaugural women’s spot just under a decade ago.

“As the second female president, I feel delighted to be in the position, especially a male dominated sport,” she told The Tribune following the elections on Thursday night in the offices at the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Her slate of officers for the next two years are Andy Percentie as first vice president, Thela Johnson as second vice president, Adrian Smith as third vice president, Keishalyn Moss as treasurer, assisted by Hope Curry and Renee ‘Sunshine’ Curry as secretary, assisted by Detrice McHardy.

Taking over from Henry Dean, who didn’t seek another term in office as he moved up the week before to become the second vice president of the Bahamas Softball Federation, Taylor said she decided to enter the race because of what she felt was the same old routine for the sport.

“When I noticed that we no longer had much of a fan base, I decided to seek the presidency,” she stated.

“I think I can bring new ideas and step away from the regular routines. The process was a smooth transition.”

She will come in as the youngest president at the age of 35, but Taylor said that’s going to help the NPSA not hurt it.

“I think when the young persons realise the feat that I achieved, it would give them some encouragement or motivation to achieve their goals, despite the age factor,” she projected. “With the youth injection into the board, it will definitely bridge the age gap and assist us with reaching the youth.”

If there’s any consolation for the NPSA, Taylor said it’s the fact that they have youth on their side with just about all of the officers, with the exception of Curry, under the age of 50, and so she’s confident that they will definitely take the sport to a higher level.

No date has been set yet for the start of the season, but Taylor is anticipating that when they do, they will have a very competitive one in both the men’s and women’s divisions.