Club News
Trish Antunovich Named Baseball NZ's 2025/26 Junior Coach of the Year
Trish Antunovich is the first female coach recognised with a national award from Baseball New Zealand — and the driving force behind Central City's junior baseball revival.
A First for the Award
Central City Baseball Club is thrilled to announce that Trish Antunovich has been named Baseball New Zealand's 2025/26 Junior Coach of the Year, presented during Baseball NZ's Awards Week on 27 August 2026. Trish is the first female coach in the award's history to be recognised at this level — a milestone for the women's game in New Zealand baseball, and a proud moment for our club.
In announcing the award, Baseball New Zealand said:
“The number of nominations received for Trish speaks volumes about the impact she has had on young players and the growth of junior baseball at her club. … Whether she's setting up training, coaching across multiple age groups, running Have a Go days or helping new players find their place within the club, Trish gives an incredible amount of her time to the next generation. But her impact goes far beyond teaching baseball skills. Across her nominations, Trish was repeatedly recognised for her patience, positivity and ability to connect with players from all backgrounds. She creates an environment where every child feels welcomed, supported and valued, while developing their confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship along the way.”
A Season of Building
The award caps off an extraordinary season on the diamond for Trish, who this year alone:
Set up and ran Central City's T-Ball programme — the first time it has run since before Covid.
Coached the club's 10U, 12U and 13U teams through the week, running more than 75 training sessions over the season — many of them as the only coach on the field.
Coached the 10U and 12U teams on game days.
Served as Head Coach of the AKL Kahurangi 12U team at Baseball in the Break, in support of the Auckland Baseball Association.
Helped run ABA Little League trials.
Coached at three school holiday baseball camps.
Just two seasons ago, 16U was the youngest team fielded at Central City. Since then, Trish has played an integral role in rebuilding the club's entire junior pathway — helping establish teams across 10U, 12U, 13U and 14U, alongside a growing T-Ball programme introducing the next generation to the game.
From Coach Trish
““I'm genuinely lost for words. This award belongs just as much to the players and families who show up every week and make it fun to be at the field. Two years ago we didn't have a team younger than 16U — now we've got kids in every grade and a T-ball programme full of five and six year olds learning to love the game. That's what I'm proud of.””
— Trish Antunovich, Baseball NZ 2025/26 Junior Coach of the Year
Building Better Coaches
Trish's recognition is also a reflection of the wider work happening at Central City through initiatives like Diamond Lab, the club's youth training and development arm. Diamond Lab was built on the idea that investing in junior baseball doesn't just build better players — it builds better coaches, too. Trish's season is proof of that in action.
From the Club
““Coach Trish has been a driving force in rebuilding our junior program at Central City. She epitomises what it is to be a development focused coach; every team Trish is involved with prioritises fun, team work, and getting better. This creates an environment that builds confidence as well as belonging and keeps her players coming back for more. If you ever see Coach Trish out at the diamond, keep an eye out for all the different handshakes she has with her athletes!”
“This award is thoroughly deserved, and being the first female coach recognised by Baseball New Zealand makes it even more special. It's exactly the kind of story Diamond Lab was built to create — better players, and better coaches to lead them.””
— Dan Tan, Central City & Diamondblacks Head Coach