As the WCSA looks toward its next chapter, the league has appointed former student-athlete and coach, Mikaila Etheredge, as its new President. Etheredge is the first woman to serve as President in the league’s history.
A former WCSA student-athlete, coach, university sport administrator, and now researcher, Etheredge brings a broad perspective to the position after experiencing collegiate softball across multiple countries and competitive systems.
Raised in the United States, Etheredge competed in the American collegiate system before continuing her playing career with the University of Regina. During her time in the WCSA, she established herself as one of the league’s top athletes, earning three WCSA All-Star selections, three All-Academic Team honours, two WCSA Top Hitter awards, and two WCSA Most Outstanding Player awards.
Her experience extends well beyond Western Canada. Through 2020, Etheredge continued competing internationally, spending the off season playing in Europe and New Zealand while simultaneously serving as Head Coach of the University of Regina softball program. From 2017 to 2023, she led the Cougars to WCSA Championships in 2017 and 2019, as well as back-to-back CCSA National Championships in 2018 and 2019—the only national championships in program history.
Today, Etheredge works as a sessional instructor and varsity club sport administration at the University of Regina while completing her PhD in Sport Management, where her research focuses on leadership and followership in university level women’s team sport.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience softball from a lot of different perspectives,” said Etheredge. “Growing up in the U.S., playing in the WCSA, competing internationally, coaching, and now working in university athletics has given me a real appreciation for what strong organizations look like. Those experiences have also reinforced just how much potential this league has.”
As President, Etheredge says her priority is preparing the WCSA not just for the next season, but for the next generation of student-athletes.
“I want us to make decisions that set the league up for long-term success. That means continuing to strengthen our governance, making sure we’re financially sustainable, and creating opportunities that make the experience even better for our student-athletes. My goal is to leave the WCSA in a stronger position than I found it.”
A major part of that vision is giving student-athletes a greater voice while creating opportunities to remain involved beyond their playing careers.
“I’d love to see our athletes become more involved in shaping the future of the league. Whether that’s through a Student-Athlete Advisory Board, internship opportunities, or creating more ways for alumni to stay connected, I think there are a lot of opportunities to build something that extends well beyond four years of competition.”
Etheredge also hopes to continue strengthening how the WCSA connects with athletes, families, alumni, and the broader softball community.
“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed over the past several months has been working on the league’s social media and helping tell the stories of our athletes. We have incredible people across every one of our member institutions, and I think they deserve to be recognized. I’d like to continue building on that while modernizing how we present the league and making sure more people see what makes the WCSA such a special place to compete.”
Having competed in multiple softball systems around the world, Etheredge believes the WCSA deserves greater recognition on the national stage.
“I genuinely believe the WCSA is Canada’s premier collegiate softball league. We already know what we have here. Our athletes know it. Our coaches know it. Now it’s our job to make sure everyone else knows it too.”
Reflecting on her appointment, Etheredge hopes her own path encourages current student-athletes to stay involved in the game after graduation.
“I never imagined that playing in this league would eventually lead to the opportunity to serve as its President. I hope our student-athletes see that there are so many ways to continue contributing to the sport after your playing career ends. The future of this league will always be strongest when the people who know it and love it continue to help shape it.”
The WCSA also extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing President Greg Tarr for his years of leadership and service to the league. His commitment and dedication have helped position the WCSA for continued growth, and the association thanks him for the strong foundation he leaves behind.
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