Steven Deans returns as New Zealand U-23 Men's National Softball Team head coach
Softball New Zealand announced the re-appointment of Steven Deans as their U-23 Men's National Team head coach. Deans managed New Zealand at the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2023 held in Parana, Argentina, guiding the squad to a sixth place finish in the inaugural edition of the event.
Deans offers immense experience with over two decades coaching at senior club, provincial and with the national programme, being the current Black Sox assistant coach, having a direct alignment to the senior programme.
New Zealand posted an overal 4-4 win-loss record during the U-23 World Cup last year. They advanced to the Super Round as third place from Group B, after posting a 3-2 mark.
As a team, New Zealand batted .235 with 37 runs in eight games, an average of 4.6 runs per game. The pitching staff finished the tournament with a 3.00 ERA, striking out 57 in 51.1 innings.
The next WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup is scheduled for 2026.