Farrell, 30, will represent New Zealand at her third championship, following a warm-up tour against Czech Republic, Russia and Austria in Prague.

“The preparation is going well – training really steps up to the next level now with only two months to go and I’m really fine-tuning my pitching,” she said.

“There’s been lots of strengthening, mechanics and spin up until now – the strengthening is ongoing – but now it will be more about fine-tuning.”

Palmerston North-based Farrell is one of 17 players in the White Sox squad, which was selected at the end of New Zealand’s domestic season in late March.

The former Horsham resident said this would be her last attempt at the showcase event.

“It’s more about prioritising – playing at an international level is amazing and if I continued on with all the hard work I could probably play for another 10 years, but also working full-time, fundraising, training and travelling is quite tough,” she said.

“Softball has come first for the majority of my life so it’s more a decision to put the rest of my life first – of course starting after the world championship.

“Deciding before the champs seems a little odd but I guess it also helps me give it absolutely everything for one last time.”

Farrell said the target was to firstly earn a top eight berth before vying for a medal.

She said she was looking to fundraise the $4500 needed to make her third world championship.

“People can donate as little or as much as they like,” Farrell said.

“A lot of the help comes from home – I am so lucky to have so many people who believe in me, want to see me succeed and help me reach the goal of representing New Zealand.”

Farrell said people could donate at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/MeganFarrell27.