The Morisset resident was part of the NSW Open Women's team who took out the national title at the recent Softball National Championships in Perth.

After returning from the 2008 Bejing Olympics with a bronze medal, Barnes had a major shoulder operation and started a family.

However, last year she got a yearning to return to softball and decided to play for Newcastle at the NSW Championship, and for a Sydney team in the State League.

"I haven't played for five years so I wasn't sure how I'd go," Barnes said. "I wanted to just enjoy the games to start with. I also wanted to contribute to the team."

Despite her time away, Barnes said her return to the sport was smooth.

"I had to do a fair bit of work getting my fitness back up, but in terms of actually playing I felt like I just slotted back in like I had never been away from it," she said.

Barnes was one of the most experienced members of the NSW Open Women's team and said she was able to pass some of her knowledge on to the younger girls.

In the final match of the national championship, NSW played Queensland in a game decided by a tie breaker.

Dora Creek Workers Club provided Barnes with some financial support to help her get to Perth.

"I'd love to thank Dora Creek Workers Club for their support, they really helped out - and obviously Daniel, my husband, I couldn't have done it without him," she said.

While Barnes has enjoyed her return to softball, she is still unsure what the future holds for her.

"The coaches asked me if I want to keep playing and I said 'I'll talk to you in a couple of months'," she said.

"It's something that's got to fit in with the family.

"I certainly loved playing again, so it's something I'll reassess in a few months' time."