Shane Boland: Leading by Example on the Road to Another Title

Brian Eradus • April 9, 2025

At 33 years old, Shane Boland has already left an indelible mark on men’s fastpitch. As the shortstop and vocal leader for the Hill United Chiefs, he wears jersey #91 and boasts a storied career filled with clutch hits and championship moments. Yet, when he isn’t patrolling the infield, you might find him enjoying a midday meal and hot tub session, playing hockey, or spending quality time with family. A native of Goulds, Newfoundland and Labrador, Shane proudly represents his roots, both on and off the field. Off the diamond, he’s a Police Officer—nicknamed “Sarge.”


From the Ballpark to the Family Bond

Shane’s introduction to the sport came at the tender age of four. With his parents both playing fastpitch, it was inevitable he’d grow up at the ballpark. “I always wanted to play with my brother, who was four years older, so I really had to hone my skills to keep up,” he recalls. That motivation—and support from his dad—pushed him to develop into one of the game’s elite shortstops.


A Leader on the Field

As a key player for the Hill United Chiefs, Shane embraces his role as a leader. “I try my best to steer the ship,” he says. “No one is bigger or better than anyone else on the roster. We all chip in, and the team rolls together.” Those leadership qualities are what make him an integral piece of a roster always gunning for top honors.

For Shane, goals are simple: “Win everything. Personal awards are a bonus, but this is a team sport, and everyone doing their job leads to success.” Shane also quotes sports legend, Ricky Bobby “If you’re not first, you’re last.”


Keys to Continued Success

Never one to rest on his laurels, Shane believes in perpetual growth. “Everything can be improved—there’s always room,” he emphasizes. “Team morale, bonding together like a family, having a blast while playing the game we love—these are the keys to success.”

He prepares physically year-round, keeping in shape through workouts, running, and even playing hockey. Mentally, he focuses on staying in the moment. “You control your game. When training gets hard, go harder. Live in the moment and trust yourself.”


ISC and Championship Memories

Ask Shane about the ISC World Tournament, and his eyes light up. “It’s the best of the best—the pinnacle of men’s fastpitch,” he explains. “It’s extremely tough, but it’s also the most fun I’ve ever had playing ball.” One particular memory stands above the rest: hitting a walk-off home run in the 2016 ISC final to secure the world championship. “That moment felt surreal. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”


Advice for ISC Newcomers

“Look around, enjoy it, learn from it,” he advises. “Ask as many questions as possible. There are so many great players willing to help.” Shane is quick to name-check those he admires: Nick Shailes (the GOAT, in his words) and Bradley Ezekiel, among others. “I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside Nick for many years, and he pushes me to keep improving every step of the way.”


The Future of Fastpitch

As for where men’s fastpitch is headed, Shane sees growth on the horizon, though he’d love to see more TV exposure. “Showcasing our top players and highlight-reel moments is the best way to attract fans. Keep doing what we’re doing, but take advantage of every media platform.”

He encourages young players to develop physical fitness, leadership, and teamwork skills—qualities that have propelled him to the top of the sport. “Get as many reps as possible,” he says. “When it’s time to train or play, go all in.”


Follow Shane Boland

While Shane doesn’t share much on social media, you can follow glimpses of his journey here:

From a four-year-old dreaming of playing with his older brother to leading the Hill United Chiefs and launching a memorable walk-off homer at the ISC, Shane Boland epitomizes what it means to chase success, respect your teammates, and stay hungry for more. Keep your eyes on “Sarge” as he looks to guide his squad to another championship—and savor every pitch along the way.

Megwan Muswaggon – Pride of the North on the Mound

By Brian Eradus • April 29, 2025
At 25 years old, Megwan Muswaggon has already become a household name in fastpitch circles across Northern Manitoba. Pitching and playing first base for the Can-West Thunder , Megwan brings power, precision, and pride to the game every time he takes the field—carrying the hopes of his hometown, Cross Lake , wherever he goes. Carrying on a Family Legacy For Megwan, fastpitch isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. “I was about 7 or 8 when I started pitching,” he says. “My father, David, was a pitcher himself and introduced me to the game. I grew up watching him and always wanted to be like him.” That influence became even stronger over time, with Megwan also spending three summers training under Canadian fastpitch legend Darren Zack . Fastpitch has deep roots in his community. “It’s the top sport in Cross Lake. We have over 25 youth teams, eight women’s teams, and up to 18 men’s teams. Fastpitch is alive and well in Northern Manitoba.” From Local Diamonds to the World Stage Transitioning from community games to the global fastpitch scene hasn’t always been easy. “Early on, learning the mechanics of pitching was a challenge. But later, the biggest test became mental—adjusting from reserve ball to the world stage,” Megwan explains. Now entering the prime of his career, Megwan sees himself as a key piece of the Can-West Thunder roster. “Without pitchers, your team falls apart,” he says candidly. “So I know I’ve got a big job—keeping the score close and giving my team a chance to win.”

Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field

By Brian Eradus • April 25, 2025
At 36 years old , Mathieu Roy stands as a seasoned presence in left field—sporting jersey #16 . Having played for the New York Gremlins in 2024 and playing for the newly named Bear Creek Gremlins next season, this St-Gervais, Québec native has crafted a storied career that’s still going strong. Off the field, he’s a strength and conditioning coach , as well as a baseball and softball coach, using his expertise to guide the next generation of athletes. Early Start and Family Ties Mathieu’s fastpitch journey began at an incredibly young age—he was swinging at a tee by 18 months old and playing organized softball by the time he was four. The main inspiration? His dad, Jean Roy , who played fastpitch and passed on his love for the game. Growing up in a hotbed of softball, Mathieu quickly discovered his passion for the sport’s high intensity and sense of community. Rising Through Challenges When Mathieu first started playing in ISC-level competition, he noticed a significant gap in pitching velocity during local practices—few pitchers could throw over 75 mph. Still, he found ways to adapt. “I worked on my arm strength in the offseason, and I gained two or three miles per hour,” he explains. “At my age, that’s a big win.” He also aimed to increase his hitting power, recognizing that consistent performance at the plate would help anchor the top of his team’s lineup.