SOFTBALL star Melinda Weaver is polishing up on her Italian after being signed by one of Europes top professional clubs. In a move the 2008 Caboolture Shire Sportsperson of the Year never dreamed possible, she will fly to Italy in March to join Mosca Macerata. The giant club plays in the Italian Professional Softball League Division 1 where players can earn a decent living in one of the toughest softball competitions in the world. It is an opportunity Weaver, 20, admits she would never have had if she stayed in Australia, which is still reeling from softballs axing from the London Olympics in 2012. ``It doesnt happen in Australia. Going overseas is something Ive always wanted to do, but I just never thought Id get the opportunity, she said. ``Especially now funding has been cut before the next Olympics, were not even close (to a professional league in Australia). Our competitions good, but theres no money to sustain what weve got. ``No doubt the game has (stagnated) and thats why were trying to push toward expanding the game in Australia and overseas. Its just difficult at the moment. Weaver will be made to feel at home at Macerata alongside two former Australian Spirit stalwarts, catcher Kym Tollenaere and pitcher Jocelyn McCallum. Tollenaere alerted the Italians to Weavers talents. The Aussie trio make up Maceratas three allocated imports for the six-month Italian regular season which starts in April. Before then, Weaver will continue leading Queenslands tilt at winning the Gilleys Shield, which has replaced the old Australian Fastpitch Championships. Queensland sits top of the table heading into Round 3 starting on Thursday.
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