At 32 years old, Yuya Tamawaki continues to rise in the fastpitch ranks as a key pitcher for the Georgian Bay Giants . Returning for another ISC season, Yuya isn’t just focused on controlling the game from the mound—he’s also determined to contribute at the plate and build on his team's past performance. Early Start and Family Influence Yuya’s love for fastpitch was born early. “I started playing when I was eight,” he says, “because my father played softball. He inspired me to get into the sport and pursue it seriously.” That early family connection helped lay the foundation for a disciplined and focused athlete. Yuya’s biggest mentor? Former national pitcher Nobunori Nishimura , whose influence helped Yuya develop both technically and mentally. The ISC Experience Yuya first competed in the ISC World Tournament last year and described the experience as unforgettable. “The speed of the game and the intensity—it’s something you don’t get even in baseball,” he says. “It was an honor to compete against top players from around the world.” For ISC newcomers, Yuya offers thoughtful advice: “It’s okay to feel nervous, but try to relax. When you're enjoying the moment, you'll often perform your best.”  One of his most memorable ISC moments came simply from being on the field with elite talent from across the globe. “It was eye-opening to see the level of play up close.”