ACT coach Shaun Carroll will draw on Olympian Clare Warwick's vast experience to help his young team at the women's softball national championships in Adelaide.
Warwick, who played for Australia at last year's Tokyo Olympic Games, is a playing coach for the ACT and brings her vast experience - both on and off the field.
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Carroll will look to the 34-year-old throughout the first Gilley's Shield held since 2020.
"She's a school teacher, so it's just like being in the classroom really for her, she's great," he said.
"She's been all around the world and she is just making my job a little bit easier, which is always a good thing."
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Caroll wasn't putting any lofty expectations on the young group and instead was hoping to see small steps of progress during the tournament.
It's been 42 years since the ACT last won the title - since their threepeat between 1978-1980.
The tournament starts Saturday and culminates with Tuesday's final.
"Any national tournament is always going to be tough, but I've got complete confidence in the girls," Carroll said.
"It's about growth. As long as the girls feel like they've grown throughout the tournament and feel like there's an improvement there, then you know they'll be more than happy.
"Ultimately everyone wants to win the championship, but we'll take small steps and see where that takes us."
WOMEN'S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday: ACT v NSW, 1.30pm; ACT v Victoria, 4pm.
Sunday: ACT v Queensland, 11am; ACT v SA, 1.30pm; Victoria v ACT, 6.30pm.
Monday: NSW v ACT, 10am; SA v ACT, 12.30pm; Queensland v ACT, 5.30pm. All games in Adelaide.
