Winning the 2025 Banana Shire Young Sportsperson Award is no small feat, but for Taroom athlete Marley Ellis, it’s recognition of years of dedication, sacrifice and passion.
“It means a lot to be recognised for all the hard work. I love my sport and I’m proud to represent my school, clubs and my country,” said Marley.
Marley’s journey into softball began in 2020 when her PE teacher encouraged her to trial for the Miles and District team.
“I didn’t make the team, but I kept showing up to the weekly training sessions, I just wanted to keep learning. I was successful the following year and even made the South West team and attended my first state championship in 2021.”
Growing up in a small town has made Marley’s path challenging.
“The lengths that my family and I have gone to makes me appreciate it so much more. I’m so thankful for the effort of the coaches and teachers in small towns with the limited time and resources they have.”
Marley has built an impressive list of achievements and among the highlights is her trip to the United States to compete on the world stage.
“The biggest highlight has been playing softball in the Babe Ruth World Series. I loved this experience and the opportunity to play some of the world’s best teams is something I’ll never forget. My team brought home the silver medal in the Diamond League, and I was named player of the game in the grand final.”
Other milestones include representing Rockhampton in U14s and U16s in 2022, 2023 and 2024, being selected for the U14 Queensland Squad in 2023, selected to play U16s for Brisbane in 2025, and making the 13 – 19 years Met West team in 2025.
“In total, I have worn 10 different softball uniforms!”
Balancing the demands of elite sport with school life hasn’t been easy and family support has been crucial.
“It’s very hard at times. Being heavily involved in sport takes up a lot of time but I have to set aside specific times to study each week to keep on top of my school work.
“My parents would travel a 7-hour round trip every weekend for me to play softball in Rockhampton and taking me as far as the USA. They always encourage me to do my best.”
Marley also gives credit to the many coaches and mentors who have helped her and is keen to acknowledge them all.
“Stacey Tweed, my school PE teacher, gave me my start. Karen, Renee and Kirsten from South West; Matt Harrison and Shane Crouch from Frenchville and Rocky rep; Ally O’Connell from the Aussie Drop Bears; Dave and Michelle Waller from Brisbane Saints; Lydia Nestor from Brisbane rep; Stephen Farrell from Farrell Tennis; and Helen Devlin and Sheree Adcock from Wandoan Gymnastics.
“All of my coaches have encouraged me to play my best, work as a team and learn from my mistakes.”
To other young athletes from regional areas, Marley offers a message of determination.
“Never give up! Even if you don’t make the team, you need to keep training to improve your skills. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you that you aren’t good enough to play. Keep trying and have fun along the way.”
Looking ahead, Marley already has some goals mapped out.
“My short-term goal is to try out for the Brisbane U18 softball team to compete in Cairns later this year. My long-term goal is to hit an auto – which is an over-the-fence home run!”
