WBSC Appoint Laurie Gouthro as Assistant Executive Director for International Softball

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has today appointed former professional baseball and softball athlete, Laurie Gouthro, as the new Assistant Executive Director for International Softball. 

Ms. Gouthro will help lead the international softball management team, helping to oversee and lead the organisation and legacy of the softball world championship platforms, including the flagship Women’s Softball World Championship. Ms. Gouthro will be involved in the strategic planning, procedural reform and the administration and operational delivery of International Softball. 

During her tenure as director of competition, beginning in 2001, she has overseen all world championships, including the expansion of the frequency of the championship (formerly celebrated every four years now every two years for each of the four softball disciplines) and also the transition to an open qualifying system. Ms. Gouthro has also overseen the anti-doping program, which has witnessed no positive drug results in Olympic history. She was recently named the technical director for softball for Special Olympics International. 

Born in Olongopo City, Philippines, Ms. Gouthro attended both Florida Community College at Jacksonville and the University of South Florida on sport scholarships in softball and playedboth professional baseball and softball. 

“Softball has always been an important part of my life, and I am very grateful for all the opportunities it has given me. I am excited about this new position and welcome the new challenges that come with it,” Gouthro expressed. “I look forward to working with our President, Board and Executive Director to raise the profile of our sport worldwide and to increase participation at all levels of competition through our championship platforms and development programmes.” 

WBSC Executive Vice President Dale McMann said, “The world softball community is grateful to have an individual with Ms. Gouthro’s experience. We are proud to be able to promote women and athletes into leadership positions.” 

WBSC will take the field next at the 17th edition of the Asian Games beginning 19-September in Incheon, South Korea.