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Philippines, 14 Jun 2025 |
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Jean Henri Lhuillier: Leading Philippine Softball’s Unstoppable Rise to International Dominance By Marlon Bernardino PhilBoxing.com Fri, 13 Jun 2025 Philippine softball stands today as one of the country’s most internationally successful team sports, a testament to years of hard work, strategic leadership, and unwavering passion. At the heart of this rise is Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier and longtime president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL). Under his two decades of leadership, softball in the Philippines has not only grown but has been elevated to new heights—marked by historic international victories, strengthened grassroots programs, and a solid infrastructure that nurtures athletes from beginner to elite levels. The results speak volumes for the RP Blu Girls, a dominant force in regional softball. They have secured seven consecutive Southeast Asian Games gold medals and a silver at the 2017 Asian Women’s Softball Championships. Consistently ranking among the top four teams at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup, they have claimed victories over several top-10 world-ranked teams including Canada, Australia, Mexico, China, and Chinese Taipei. Before the pandemic pause, they reached the number 1 ranking in Asia and currently hold the 3rd spot in Asia and 10th worldwide in the WBSC World Rankings for 2025. Their momentum continued in 2024 when they scored a stunning 6–5 upset victory over world no. 3 Chinese Taipei at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Italy. The U15 Girls National Team also showed promise, earning bronze and qualifying for the inaugural U15 Women’s Softball World Cup in 2023, reflecting a strong pipeline of emerging talent. Most recently, the ASAPHIL Philippine Blu Girls represented the country at the 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup, further demonstrating their sustained competitiveness in Asia. The RP Blu Boys have steadily risen to international prominence through disciplined training, tactical innovation, and relentless competitiveness. They have captured four Southeast Asian Games gold medals and earned five silver medals at the Asian Men’s Softball Championships, establishing themselves as one of Asia’s top contenders. Their top 10 finish at the 2022 Men’s Softball World Cup marked a new era of international competitiveness. Currently ranked 3rd in Asia and 10th worldwide, they qualified for the 2025 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup after securing bronze at the 2023 Men’s Softball Asia Cup. The newly formed Co-Ed Slow Pitch Team also demonstrated the strength of the development program by taking silver at the 2023 Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Asia Cup, earning their place in the 2024 WBSC Co-Ed Slow Pitch World Cup. With four national teams qualifying for their respective World Cups in one season—an unprecedented achievement—Philippine softball, powered by Lhuillier’s strategic grassroots-to-elite development, has firmly reestablished itself on the global stage. “There is extraordinary talent across the archipelago,” Lhuillier says. “But talent alone cannot carry us to the world stage. It takes a deliberate system—one that values patience, consistency, and teamwork across every level of the sport. We are building that system. We are investing not just in players, but in coaches, officials, and communities. That’s how we will sustain excellence and ensure the Philippines is not just competing but leading in softball worldwide.” ASAPHIL, under Lhuillier’s stewardship, has institutionalized a robust calendar of tournaments such as the annual Summer Grand Slam National Open, Batang Pinoy, Palarong Pambansa, and the Philippine National Games, providing ample competitive platforms for athletes across the country. Complementing these are comprehensive softball clinics designed for players, coaches, and tournament officials—ensuring the whole ecosystem thrives in knowledge and skill. As the Philippines prepares for upcoming international competitions, including the Asian Games, Lhuillier remains resolute: “We’ve come a long way, but I am just getting started. Our vision is clear—we will continue to raise the bar, not only for the Philippines but for the sport itself. The success of the RP Blu Girls and Blu Boys, who now hold the highest world ranking ever achieved by any Filipino team sport, proves that with the right leadership, investment, and heart, we can achieve greatness. The future of Philippine softball shines brighter than ever.”-Marlon Bernardino- Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.  |
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