Luke proves a hit

Luke Matten at the batters’ plate while representing New South Wales earlier this year.

Related links

• Softball gets into full swing

COFFS Coast softball superstar Luke Matten is the latest of the region's junior sporting talent to gain Australian selection.

The 16-year-old was named in the Australian under-17 softball squad after he impressed selectors at the Australian Championships in Melbourne.

This year is set to be a big one for the Bishop Druitt College student, travelling to Sydney every fortnight in April and May to compete in the Waratah League for elite junior softballers.

Extremely proud of her son's achievements, Luke's mother, Jane Matten, stated they are just enjoying the ride.

"Luke has worked really hard and deserves all his success. I'm really proud of what he has achieved," Matten said.

"Selection in all these representative teams has been a dream come true for Luke and he is just enjoying the honour of making these sides."

With most of the Australian team selected from the capital cities, Matten has had to overcome the challenges of being a country athlete.

"Many of the boys in the Australian team all have their own pitching coach but Luke has never had access to one and has taught himself," she said.

"Luke has under-19 Australian team selections in June so he is working hard to get selected."