Naudin Named to Mexican Women’s National Team
IRVINE, Calif. – After a two-day tryout, the Mexican National Softball Federation announced the addition of former Kansas third baseman Chanin Naudin to its roster. Naudin completed her four-year career at Kansas in May after helping the Jayhawks to their second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
“It is such an honor for Chanin to represent her heritage, and Kansas softball, for the Mexican National Team,” said KU head coach Megan Smith. “Chanin has always been such a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success and we are so proud of her and her accomplishments.”
Although Naudin hails from Princeton, Texas, her family lineage can be traced back to Mexico, which makes her eligible to play for the Mexican National Team.
“My grandpa, Eduardo Nicholas Naudin, was born in Monterey, Mexico,” Naudin said. “He came to the U.S. with his mom and dad when his father, an engineer, got a job in El Paso. His citizenship is the reason I am able to play for the Mexican National Team.”
Naudin will compete with the Mexican Women’s National Team in the Canadian Fastpitch Open July 7-13 and the ISF World Championship July 15-25, 2016 in Vancouver, Canada.
“It’s crazy to now have this opportunity to keep playing because of my grandpa,” said Naudin. “He would’ve wanted me to play as long as possible and to be able to honor him in the process is incredible. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to play for my grandfather’s country. I know he has and always will be cheering me on from heaven.”
Described as her biggest fan, Naudin’s grandfather originally wouldn’t allow her aunts to play sports. It wasn’t until he witnessed Naudin at one of her 8U games that he had a change of heart and became her biggest fan. He always encouraged her to follow her softball dreams.
“On the night of his death, I was pitching in an 8U tournament,” Naudin said. “My mom wanted to come pull me out of the tournament so I could see him one last time, but my grandpa told her, ‘no, she doesn’t need to see me, softball is her future, keep her playing.’ So he passed away while I was playing softball. It’s not a coincidence that I made the Mexican National Team on Father’s Day. This all wouldn’t be possible without my grandfather and my dad. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to honor them!”
As an official member of the team, Naudin will now participate in a week-long training camp to prepare for the upcoming Canadian Fastpitch Open.
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