Six golds, three silvers in eleven attempts. That is the legacy New Zealand Black Sox legend Mark Sorenson leaves our sport as a player and coach.  
Sorenson who stepped down as head coach of the Black Sox following the Men’s World Cup in Auckland last December will be widely regarded as one of the greatest softballers of all time. 

As a player he had a successful international playing career spanning 22 years, from 1989 to 2004. During his tenure he captained the Black Sox from 1989 to 2001 and led the Black Sox to three successive ISF world championship wins, in 1996, 2000, and 2004. Sorenson was the first player to win four world championship gold medals after having earlier won a world title with the Junior Black Sox in 1985.

As the 57th player to have donned the silver fern for the Black Sox his legacy is something to be admired. Young players from around the world look up to Sorenson and can take inspiration from his story.

His story is one of hard work, dedication, and perseverance with his legacy firmly cemented in the history of our sport. He is an exemplar to aspiring young players and his contributions to the game will be remembered for many years to come.
From an early age, Sorenson showed a love for softball that would eventually lead him to become one of the greatest players in the sport's history. But it wasn't just Sorenson's talent that made him a great player - it was his attitude and determination. 
Known for his power hitting and prowess as a catcher he worked tirelessly to hone his skills, spending countless hours practicing his game until he became a master of the game.

Sorenson has been a leader and mentor to countless young players and coaches, helping to guide them on their own softball journeys. He has shown that success in softball or in any pursuit is not just about natural talent, but about hard work, perseverance, and attitude.
After the team's triumphant win on their home soil in 2013, Sorenson was appointed the position of head coach for the Black Sox in 2014.

During his tenure as head coach, he led New Zealand to four world championships with ultimate success in 2017 with a gold medal in Whitehorse Canada. 

Sorenson's success is evident in the numerous awards and accolades he received throughout his career. 
He was named the International Softball Federation's Male Athlete of the Year in 2001 and 2002 and was also named the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year in 2001. Sorenson was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, recognising his significant contribution to the sport of softball. Mark Sorenson was inducted into the International Softball Hall of Fame in 2009, sixteen years after his father Dave was similarly honoured.

Named Wellington Sportsman of the Year three times and three times New Zealand Softball player of the year and received a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1998 for services to softball and the community.

Sorenson was selected 12 times to the 'All World Team' by the International Softball Congress, which was a world record. He was selected six times consecutively to the 'All American Team' at the USA Nationals and voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player twice.
In his 18-year career, he’s played over 300 games with a lifetime ISF Batting average .405 with 15 Homeruns in World Championship play 1984 - 2004.

Sorenson's enduring contribution to the Black Sox programme spanning 38 years is an extraordinary achievement. His instrumental role in the team's golden era, cannot be overstated.

Softball NZ is approaching the conclusion of a thorough world cup evaluation, which will be succeeded by the recruitment and selection process of the upcoming Black Sox coach.