Freshly crowned Mid West senior sports star of year Jy Thurstun sets his sights on big smoke to pursue dreams

Jy Thurstun has just about done it all in the sport of softball. From starring for his local team Suiside to representing his State and Australia on the global stage, there isn’t much the 20-year-old hasn’t already ticked off. Thurstun capped off a fantastic year on Saturday night winning senior sports star of the year at the 52nd Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sport Awards. His performances throughout the year, along with his more than impressive sporting CV, gave the judges no reason but to award the top gong to the talented Thurstun. Some of his eye-catching achievements and accolades include the under-15 boys’ 2019 championships in Canberra, the under-18 men’s championship in 2020 in Perth, making the all-star team, the under-18 school boys team in 2022 in Sydney, the under-19 men’s championships last year in Perth, where he won the MVP award, and theunder-23 men’s 2024 championships in Melbourne. On top of these accolades, Thurstun is the only softball player out of Geraldton ever to represent Australia on the international stage. After a successful nationals competition for WA and winning the MVP, Thurstun was selected to go to Sydney for a week-long camp. A few months later he found himself selected for the Australian team. In late October Thurstun jetted off with the Australian team to the United States and Mexico for the under-18s Men’s Softball World Cup. Thurstun said the trip was a dream come true, being able to travel and play the sport he loved while representing his country. “It felt like the movies,” he said. “Whenever I get to travel and play sport at the same time, it’s pretty unreal.” The journey started all the way back in Thurstun’s early years, taking up softball from his mum who he describes as “a pretty decent softball player”. While Thurstun’s parents have been a major part of his softball journey, he has also found role models in the Mid West sporting community who have aided him throughout his career. Two-time AFL premiership player for Geelong and Geraldton local Harry Taylor has been a source of inspiration for Thurstun, providing him with the tools required to navigate life as an elite athlete. “Harry has helped heaps with multiple sports I’ve played,” Thurstun said. “His words of wisdom have helped me throughout my journey. “He is obviously someone who I look up to here to show that you can make it as a professional athlete from the regions.” Taylor has shown Thurstun how to be a role model to other kids in the region. Thurstun said that he hopes to be the same beacon of knowledge to other kids in sport and give back to the community. “I would love to be able to give back to the community and help kids where I can,” he said. “It is definitely something I aspire to do.” Thurstun now has set his sights on his future, with a big move to Perth in the coming months to pursue both softball and football. He will be part of the playing squad for the East Fremantle Sharks come the start of the new year. The freshly crowned senior sports star of the year will also be playing for reigning division 1 premiers Bedford Softball Club, with hopes of continuing to represent Australia on the big stage.