Pride, Progress and the Power of Showing Up

As Head Coach of Bury Aces, I left this year’s UK Showdown Spring National Tournament feeling incredibly proud not just of the results, but of the people behind them. What Kara and Gill achieved this weekend reflects far more than performance. It reflects who we are as a club, what we stand for, and the environment we work so hard to create.

Kara’s Achievement – A moment made from a year of hard work.

Watching Kara finish 9th overall and take home the silver medal in the Women’s competition was a powerful reminder of what consistent, committed development looks like. Her growth hasn’t happened by accident. It’s come from showing up, doing the work, embracing challenge, and trusting the process even on the hard days.

What impressed me most wasn’t the medal; it was the way she carried herself. Calm under pressure. Brave in big moments. Willing to adapt, learn, and stay present. That’s the athlete she has become, and it’s a privilege to support her journey.

“Sometimes progress is measured not in medals, but in the courage to show up”

Gill’s First Nationals – Courage in its purest form

For Gill, this weekend was about stepping into something completely new. Six months ago she picked up a Showdown bat for the first time. This weekend she walked into her first national competition and finished 39th overall.

That takes courage. Real courage.

Nationals can be overwhelming. The noise, the intensity, the unfamiliar environment. But Gill approached every match with openness, positivity, and a willingness to learn. She reminded me, and everyone watching, that progress isn’t always measured in medals. Sometimes it’s measured in the decision to try, to keep going, to believe you belong.

Her performance was a milestone, and I’m incredibly proud of her.

What this Weekend Says About Our Club

Both athletes showed the heart of Bury Aces: we celebrate bravery as much as podiums; we value emotional safety, belonging, and growth; and we support athletes at every stage from first‑timers to medal contenders. This weekend reaffirmed why we do what we do. It reminded me that success looks different for every athlete and that our job as coaches is to create the conditions where each person can thrive in their own way.

Kara and Gill represented our club with integrity, humility, and pride. They showed what’s possible when athletes feel safe enough to be brave and supported enough to push their limits. I couldn’t be prouder of them both.

This is just the beginning — for them, and for Bury Aces.