Vale Nancy Whittingham

It is with immense sadness that we advise our community of the passing of Nancy Whittingham, a legendary figure in Australian softball and a trailblazer in women's sport. Nancy's remarkable contributions to the game have left an indelible mark on the sporting community, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

In 1961, Nancy was honoured as the South Australian Sportswoman of the Year, as noted in the book Diamond Duels. She was a versatile athlete, recognised for her exceptional skills as a catcher, shortstop, and first baseman, representing Australia in 33 games. Nancy was vice-captain of the Australian Open Women’s team that triumphed in the first Women’s Softball World Championship in Melbourne in 1965. This extraordinary achievement led to her induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame under the Team Sport Australia Award in 2014.

Throughout her career, Nancy dedicated herself not only as a player but also as an umpire, assistant coach, and head coach of the Australian Open Women’s team from 1982 to 1986. 

Representing her beloved South Australia from 1957-70 (only missing ’67) she was the State Captain for nine of those years. After retiring as a player/captain, she then took over as Head Coach in 1971 until 1985 (only missing ’78 while studying her MSc in Canada), totaling 27 years of State Representation, a record for a player/coach – and only surpassed by legendary umpiring trio Lawrance (29 years), McCauley (28) and tied with Alan McAuliffe (27). Nancy was a standout choice for the Softball SA Hall of Fame in the inaugural induction in 2009.

A physical education lecturer at Adelaide Teachers College, she utilised her expertise in kinesiology and sports psychology to pioneer innovative coaching techniques, introducing modern training methods to her teams.

Nancy's influence extended beyond the field. She held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the South Australian Softball Association president (for three years and Vice President for nine years), Board member of the Australian Softball Federation, Softball SA Director of Coaching, Umpires Auxiliary Chair, and Australian Rules Interpretation committee. In recognition of her contributions, she received life membership with Softball SA in 1977. 

Locally, Nancy started playing in the late 1950’s for the Adelaide Teacher’s College, before moving to Sabres in ‘56 (later known as Findon/Woodville), playing in six premierships with the latter. When she transitioned to coaching, she chose West Torrens in 1982/83, where she was instrumental in luring two American players to Adelaide (including Terri Lamoree), almost having immediate success with two premierships in ’84 and ’86.

Nancy Whittingham’s commitment to sport and her community was unwavering, and she remains South Australia's only Softball World Champion. Her legacy will be cherished by all who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed.

More about Nancy’s life and achievements, see the Softball Australia website story here

The funeral to celebrate Nancy’s life will be held on Tuesday 29 October at 2pm at Fulham Funerals, 137-139 Holbrooks Road, Underdale, SA. The service will be live streamed for those unable to be in attendance.