Cienega softball coach Kelsey Harshman landed in Prague, Czechia a couple of days ago to prepare for another season of representing Team Canada on the international stage at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage.

Canada needs to finish in the top two in its Group Stage standings to earn a place at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 to be held in Australia with an Olympic qualification bid on the line.

Harshman (known as Kelsey Jenkins when she played at Sabino High School) joined the Canadian junior national team in 2015. She made her senior debut in 2018 at the Canada Cup where she was the tournament’s top hitter, leading Canada to its first gold at the event in 22 years. At the 2018 WBSC World Championships, she drove in five runs to help Canada win its second consecutive bronze medal.

Harshman made the Olympics, held in Tokyo in 2020 and she recorded four hits and two RBI as Canada won the bronze medal.

Harshman's Bronze Medal. (Andy Morales/AZPreps365)

 

Harshman played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin and she was named All-Big Ten, in fact Harshman was the first three-time selection to the All-Big team in Wisconsin history.

“Getting the opportunity to wear the maple leaf and represent Canada again is something I’ll never take for granted,” Harshman said. “Some of my favorite softball memories have been wearing this jersey. Now after becoming a mom it feels just as special.”

Harshman’s mother (Shannah Biggan) and her aunts (Jodie Biggan and Alison Biggan) played for Team Canada.

“I remember growing up and hearing stories and seeing pictures of my mom representing Team Canada. Now I get the opportunity to do the same and create more memories playing the sport that has been such a huge sport of the person I am today.” Harshman added. “I’m so excited to be back and knowing I have a new favorite fan in the stands.”

Harshman was an assistant coach for Catalina Foothills in 2022 before she moved over to become the head coach at Cienega in 2023, making the third round in 2024 and 2025. The Bobcats earned 5A Sonoran Region titles all four years.

Harshman coached the 2025 season while pregnant with her first child, welcoming Kinsley Gail at the end of May.

(Cienega Photo)

 

Portions from news release.