As winter gives way to spring, the UBC Thunderbirds softball team heads south.

Long before the first conference game, the athletes are already competing—testing themselves against some of the strongest programs in the United States, building trust and laying the groundwork for the months ahead.

Last season, that preparation helped carry UBC Softball to its first appearance at the NAIA World Series—a historic achievement years in the making. Donor support—including gifts made through Back the ’Birds, UBC Athletics’ annual fundraising campaign—helps make those preseason opportunities possible.

“We are in one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA,” says head coach Jennifer McKellar, “so being able to go and explore non-conference competition sets us up to be prepared for our conference play.”

For third-year student-athlete Jillian Matsubara, the preseason schedule provided invaluable experience against elite competition.

“The preseason trip is a very important part of our season,” she says. “We get to face other nationally-ranked teams that aren’t in our conference, so it’s very beneficial for the postseason when you go face teams from all over the US”

That exact scenario played out last season. A close preseason game against Oklahoma City University came full circle when the teams met again in the postseason—an experience that underscored the value of competing against top programs before conference play.

For student-athletes, donor support also eases the financial pressures that accompany elite competition.

“Donations mean our athletes can focus more on their training and development and less on potentially other fundraisers or working to be able to make that trip possible,” says McKellar

While the World Series appearance captured headlines, McKellar is equally proud of who her student-athletes are becoming away from the diamond.

“I think we really build and establish strong women,” she says. “They sacrifice tirelessly for their goals and for our program, but also bring a lot of joy in sportsmanship, in teammate relationships.”

She believes the lessons learned through softball extend far beyond graduation.

“I think this experience and what they’ve shown me is that they are ready and willing to be the next generation of positive contributors to society.”

That sense of possibility is on display every time the Thunderbirds take the field at Collings Field. Named for former head coach Gord Collings, whose vision helped bring a dedicated softball facility to campus, the stadium stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a program.

Matsubara says that sense of community has shaped her university experience both on and off the field.

“Being a Thunderbird athlete has honestly been life changing,” she says. “Being part of that community we’ve built through varsity athletics is invaluable.”

As UBC Softball looks toward the future, McKellar knows that continued success depends on the community that stands behind the team—and has these words for donors.

“A heartfelt thank you for their investment in us!” she says, “Without your contributions, we couldn’t do what we do at the level that we have been able to achieve.”

“They’re not just supporting a team or one person,” Matsubara says. “They’re supporting an entire community… their donations really do make a difference for our program and help us elevate to the next level.”

McKellar adds: “While this year was great, the work is not done.”