Léa Chevrier, a 19-year-old Saint Lazare resident achieved a remarkable feat recently by becoming the first Quebecer to win the National Junior College Athletic Association's (NJCAA) softball world series.

Chevrier, who became hooked on softball at an early age, is a member of the South Western Buccaneers, the team in the NJCAA's top division that played in the series.

"It was held in Alabama this year. There were 16 teams including mine that competed for the coveted title. My team went into the final with a perfect record. We didn't lose a single game and we went on to win the series," Chevrier told Néomédia in a recent interview. 

A simple twist of fate

"According to the game plan, I wasn't supposed to play but in the middle of the first set, my coach told me I'd be playing in the next set," said Chevrier.

"I was there to support and encourage my teammates but had to change my mindset when I learned I was playing. I stayed on the pitch from the second to the seventh inning," she said.

"After we won, I didn't know I became the first person in Quebec accomplish this. I only found out after reading an article about me in Softball Québec. When you think about it, it's really something. Right now, I'm the only Canadian on the team," Chevrier added.

She credits her teammates for the victory. "You can't win without everyone's contribution. It's a team sport. Each player has their role and everyone has to perform well for us to be successful."

Pursuing her passion

Chevrier said her decision to move to Florida last year came in an e-mail with an 'impossible-to-refuse offer' from a coach with the South Western Buccaneers.

"He wanted to know if I would be interested to play for the team and study in the United States. The language barrier didn't scare me so I thought why not?" said Chevrier.

"I left because you can't study and practice a sport at the same time here but it's possible there. And softball isn't popular in Quebec. It was a great opportunity so I decided to seize it," she added.

A promising future

What are her plans for the future? "After my time in Fort Myers, I want to continue my education in communications and sports management and eventually earn a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree," said Chevrier.

"I'd also like to continue playing softball and join the Canadian softball team," she said. In the meantime, Chevrier will spend the summer in St. Lazare before returning to the Sunshine State.

Chevrier attends Florida Sothwestern State College in Fort Myers and is enrolled in a program equivalent to the Humanities programs offered at Quebec CEGEPs.