a new executive body as they kickstart the year with the launch of the 2025 National Fastpitch League under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Recognising the Present, Looking Towards the Future.” Newly elected public relations officer for VISBA, Akiema Brookes, explained that the theme encompasses the executives’ plans for year one as a body led by President Glenford Maduro.
As part of its growth and evolution, VISBA has also introduced a new logo that embodies the organisation’s direction and vision for the future.
The Executive has already begun working to establish a website and database that will document and preserve the history of past contributors who have played a significant role in shaping the sport—starting with former administrators, executive members, and past honourees.
A major milestone for the sport this year is the long-awaited official confirmation from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) of VISBA as the internationally recognized governing body for both softball and baseball in the Virgin Islands—a process that began in 2016.
Improvements are also on the agenda, with the association working alongside the Recreation Trust and the Ministry to upgrade playing fields, beginning with the E. Walwyn Brewley Ball Park. VISBA also hopes to receive confirmation on a regulated stadium design and implementation plan as the association looks to bid for qualifying tournaments and contribute to the growth of sports tourism in the Virgin Islands.
To accommodate these priorities, this year’s Fastpitch League will run on a condensed schedule, with games being held Thursdays through Sundays. Simultaneously, VISBA will host Industrial League games in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning 28 April. The National Fastpitch League opens on 4 April with rematch games between defending women’s champions Synergy and Pure Problems and defending men’s champions Power Outage and Pirates at 7:00p.m. and 9:00 p.m., respectively. The official opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5 April, at 6:00 p.m., followed by two games, with additional matches continuing on Sunday. This year, the league will feature seven men’s and five women’s teams.
Beyond local competitions, VISBA is also setting its sights on international representation. The association is preparing to field the 2025-2028 Women’s National Team for an upcoming CAC Games qualifying tournament in October while also launching the Men’s Softball National Team, further expanding opportunities for Virgin Islands athletes on the global stage.
Leading VISBA into this exciting era includes: President: Glenford Maduro, Vice President: Roxanne McNeil, Secretary General: Bria Smith, President of Softball Affairs: Dariér Malone, President of Baseball Affairs: Josh Ridgway, Treasurer: Lencia Mills, Assistant Treasurer: Shermiker Nibbs-Samuel, Assistant Secretary: Sarah Potter-Washington and Public Relations Officer: Akiema Brookes.
With new leadership, a modernised brand, and a commitment to excellence, VISBA is laying the foundation for sustained growth in softball and baseball across the Virgin Islands. As the season begins, players and fans alike can look forward to a dynamic year of competition, development, and progress for the sport.