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feature story by Eliza Wood

It felt like poetic justification when New South Wales shortstop Lisa Nakashio recorded the final out in her team’s Gold Medal game win at the Australian Women’s Championships.

Three years prior, in 2022, she was watching her team win it all while masked up and parked in a hotel room while isolating with COVID.

“As that pitch went up, I thought back to Maddie McGuire’s winning catch in 2022, watching on the stream in the hotel,” Lisa Nakashio reminisces.

“So many emotions rushed through my head: excitement, relief, and so much gratitude for my team… that winning catch is a moment I’ll never forget,” she beams.

Destiny in motion – destiny fulfilled.

A euphoric moment for Nakashio, who has been dreaming of winning gold since her women’s national’s debut in 2022 – a tournament that saw her sidelined midway through with COVID-19.

Things didn’t get easier for Nakashio.

In 2023, New South Wales shockingly finished outside the medals. In 2024, their Gold Medal game was washed out due to rain, with the title awarded to Victoria.

But back in 2022, isolating in her hotel room with fellow teammate Violet Gruppelaar, Nakashio admits it was a tough time both mentally and emotionally not being out there with the team.

However, Nakashio wouldn’t change a thing about her 2022 campaign.

Despite not physically being on the field that day, Nakashio couldn’t have been prouder of her teammates as she shared in the joy with them through FaceTime.

Nakashio was awarded the Spirt of the Game medal, a well-deserved recognition from her coaches and an honour she holds dearly.

“[That nationals] was pivotal for me,” she says.

“Watching from the sidelines gave me a new perspective. I saw the level I needed to reach, and it left me more motivated than ever to train hard,” she adds.

And train hard she did.

“The past couple of years she has worked out with our first-grade squad and got to learn and work with the likes of [ABL third baseman] Jo Stevens and Max Brennen (Sydney Blue Sox),” explains Matt O’Neill, Nakashio’s Club Ball coach at Ryde Hawks.

“She is always asking questions and wanting to learn, wanting to get better,” he adds.

Unfortunately for Nakashio and NSW, arriving at Melbourne Ballpark in 2023 as the reigning champs and a strong medal contending team, didn’t guarantee anything.

Finishing the tournament in 5th place.

With Nakashio left still chasing that gold medal dream, it was here the road to redemption for NSW began.

“[Our] 2024 team had such great chemistry and drive,” says Nakashio.

Playing hard against fierce competition, the Blues earned their spot in the gold medal game in a tight 10-9 win over Queensland Maroon.

However, just like the unpredictability of a baseball game, Melbourne’s unpredictable weather rained on everyone’s parade, with the championship game washed out.

Forcing the tournament bylaws to be enacted, resulting in gold for Victoria and silver for NSW.

“It was bittersweet because we felt we had what it took to win, and it only made me more determined for 2025,” expresses Nakashio.

Hardworking by nature both on and off the field, her determination and desire to be the best she can be and chase her dreams fuels her.

Working closely alongside local NSW Japanese import Ayano, Nakashio gained a wealth of knowledge from the middle infielder.

She developed her fielding style and honed her craft, rep after rep, bolstering her confidence on the diamond.

“This made me excited to showcase everything I’d learned at nationals,” says Nakashio.

“I came into the tournament with the goal of being the best fielder I could be and supporting my pitchers as much as possible,” she adds.

Safe to say Nakashio hit her goal out of the park.

An absolute standout at short stop, she led the tournament with 31 assists.

She hit. 348 with the bat, driving in eight runs and scoring ten times.

In the Gold Medal Game, Nakashio was in the middle of two crucial, run-preventing double-plays for New South Wales.

“You get to be creative, make fun plays, you’re always thinking and constantly engaged,” says Nakashio. “This tournament reminded me why I love playing shortstop so much.”

A true team-player, Nakashio is just glad she could play her role and contribute to the team’s success.

A testament to the time, effort and dedication she gives the sport she loves so much.

A drive that doesn’t go unnoticed to those around her, including NSW veteran Claire O’Sullivan.

“I’ve seen the rewards of her taking extra time to work on her skills outside of team trainings, which made all the difference as she played one of the best defensive tournaments I’ve seen,” says O’Sullivan.

“She understands that there is always more to learn in this game and is very willing to put in the time and go through the hard parts to make herself better for the team,” she adds.

Doing all that she could to prepare herself and a story three years in the making, the time had finally come.

“This year, 2025, felt different from the start,” states Nakashio.

“The experience in the team, the coaching, and the shared goal. We all knew what had to be done. We weren’t just chasing a medal this time, we were focused on winning gold,” she adds.

The rivalry between NSW and Victoria is one that has existed since the beginning of time.

With the bitter taste of last year’s result, it was now that the feeling of redemption truly kicked in for NSW.

Coming down to final inning in what was a championship worthy game, the Blues brought it home in a stellar 6-3 win.

18-year-old Isobel Lambert broke a three-three tie in the final frame.

“We weren’t going to let the opportunity slip,” affirms Nakashio.

“From the very first training, I believed we had the team to do it, and that final game showed it,” she adds. “It was nothing but quality baseball.”

With the game-winning catch landing in her glove, Nakashio’s journey through trials and tribulations had finally reached its deserving, golden end.

“It was everything I had dreamed of since watching from the hotel room back in 2022. It was a full-circle moment,” says Nakashio, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

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The 2025 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships has come to an end.

Here is a summary of all the award winners.

For archived stories and results, visit the tournament hub at www.baseball.com.au/women

feature by Connie Rowe from the Australian Women’s Championships

Pristine turf and manicured cut outs, booming commentators and roaring crowds. Just a few ways you know you’ve made it to the big league.

But how do you get to be here?

Outside of hours of training, strength and conditioning, and studying the game there is also an element of understanding the new environment that is an Australian Women’s Championships.

Emma Reid lives for tournament ball.

“It’s the pinnacle of the sport for me, especially at this level,” said Reid. “You get to compete day in day out, pushing through the physical and mental fatigue. It’s where you get to test your skills against the best in the country,

“For me it’s also a chance to learn more about the game.”

Reid knows this all too well.

The mother of three, businesswoman and student admits to the sacrifices she has made on her journey to representing her state.

“There’s something about receiving your jersey that makes it all worth it.”

She was primed and ready to deliver.

Alas, early in the Queensland White campaign, horror struck.

Emma put her body on the line, stretching beyond the limit to get her team a critical out. Suddenly her footing slipped and the worst imaginable thought crossed her mind.

She had damaged her hamstring.

She was gutted, but even in that moment there was something more important.

“I knew as soon as the play was completed that I’d done some damage but at that point in time, I just wanted to make sure the ball was in my glove.”

This type of experience may have floored many athletes. Not Reid.

“Being a Physio myself was both a blessing and a curse at that point,” she said.

As much as she desperately wanted to be out on the field, she knew there were two options:
– push through and risk further damage.
– take up the bench, get treatment straight away and hopefully get back as an option for the end of the week.

“I’ve put the hard work in to get here. I just had to trust that it would work out.”

In her downtime, when she’s not facetiming her kids, finalising pay runs and rosters for work or, smashing out uni assignments, she’s looking for ways to make her team that little bit better every day.

“Don’t underestimate the role that you play from the bench,

“Your voice is the one that keeps the energy and players up,

“Your attention to detail on the charts can make the difference in next innings outs,

“Staying warm could be the difference between coming on for a clutch play, right when the coaches need you the most,

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s painful not being able to be out there but the sooner you can process this and see the bigger puzzle that is your team at play, the bigger asset you will be.”

For all of the above, it’s probably the reason Emma won the Spirit of the Game Award, presented by No More.

The makings of an athlete is more than just your physical skill on the diamond. It’s the ability to process the speed bumps that come along the way. How you deal with adversity along with success, pick those around you up and recognise your role as part of the ecosystem that is your team.

Reid hopes that through her role as a mentor in the Queensland White team, she has the ability to influence up coming athletes, to help them see the game as a whole.

Players like Mea Arlow, a debutant in the Opens competition, has embraced each role she’s been given throughout the competition.

In Queensland White’s hair raising win against South Australia, Arlow was part of the contingent riding the energy from the dugout.

That was until the dying moments of the game.

After an intentional walk put Keeley Boehm on to load up the bases with two out, Arlow was called on by coach Connors.

Yet to get a hit in the tournament, it was a big moment for the teen.

If there was a time to hit, this was it.

Chasing her pitch early, she launched one to right field to drive in two runs to tie up the game.

Arlow is part of the Queensland White team, a pathway designed to give more players exposure to high level baseball in a bid to strengthen the pool of players coming through the ranks.

With the likes of Taliyah Paolo, Mackenzie Rogers, Grace White, Jess Sullivan, Sam Sullivan (Qld), Tiana Lascala, (NSW), Mackenzie Prentice-Evans (Vic) and Charlotte Yates (WA) all having roots in the White team and now making a statement for their respective states. There have been 12 players use this program as a launchpad to date.

Karina Conor’s, head coach of the Queensland White team says that this is exactly what it’s about. Providing a safe place to perform, learn and understand the level needed to compete and succeed at a National Championships.

“The game is faster, pitchers are better, and hitters smoke the ball consistently,

“Seeing that for seven days straight and playing against it can really light the fire for wanting to come back bigger, better and stronger the next year.

“We want to provide players with exposure to the next level. To see them take the opportunity and run with it is exactly what it [the program] is designed for.”

As part of this safe space, the White program has embedded a leadership aspect to their lineup.

“It’s important to have good leaders for team and individual success,” Connors said.

“We’ve always ensured we have a couple mentor players to impart their knowledge and experience, to help the younger ones learn quicker and settle in to the experience of a National Championships.

“Players like Emma Reid show leadership, experience and calmness,” Connors said.

“She’s also a fierce competitor, showing the younger ones how to compete.”

With more players exposed to high level ball than ever before, the women’s league across Australia is becoming a big league of its own.

MORE FEATURE STORIES

– Feature: A Call to Change The Game – Australia’s all-female tournament umpire crew

– | How we got here: Preliminary Final Day Recap (April 18)

– Feature: A Call to Change The Game – Australia’s all-female tournament umpire crew

– Feature: Live from the best seat in the house – a scorer’s view of the AWC

– Feature: Kira Kuwamoto shines for team VIC after eleventh hour call up

It’s the best day of the year. Two champions in the women’s baseball world were crowned.

Congratulations to South Australia on winning their second straight Australian Youth Women’s Championship Gold.

A big tip of the cap to New South Wales who won a thrilling Gold Medal game that game down to the final inning.

Check out the recap and highlights below. We also announced each of the award winners, which you can find below or visit this story. 

feature by Connie Rowe, visit www.baseball.com.au/women for the Tournament Hub and more stories 

Tournament baseball adds a whole new spin on your typical ball game.

It’s a time to level up, push your boundaries and truly test yourself.

Over the seven day Australian Women’s Baseball Championships, a total of 25 games will be played. With each team playing up to eight each.

Each team that is, except one – the umpires.

Across the week, each umpire will step foot on the diamond 12 times. Each of those games is a chance to grow.

For the first ever all women’s umpiring crew at these championships, they have come to perform on the big stage.

Leanne Gearside is one umpire who has come to do just that.

“For us as umpires at this level, we have been training for these moments,” she says. “We run scenarios, study the rule book, analyse our games and sit through exams.”

All this preparation helps but there’s nothing like learning on the job.

“In a game of baseball like this, we typically run seven innings,” she says. “If there’s one thing you can take away from every innings then that’s seven new things to add to your repertoire each game.”

GOLD MEDAL GAMES: All Saturday on Baseball+

Communication is key when it comes to umpiring. From pregame chats to post game debriefs and the subtle silent sign language on field, it’s the secret to a well oiled machine.

But for this team, it is the first time that many have met each other, let alone worked a game together.

Not that this phases Gearside.

Between the laughter and the change room banter, the mateship that is formed between colleagues in just a short time creates a lasting bond.

Learning from each other comes as second nature, when you’re in such close quarters. Add to that some great mentors and you’re in good hands.

When it comes to women’s umpire mentors, you can’t go past Umpire in Chief and four-time world cup umpire, Fiona Lambrick.

“Having Fiona around, she is a wealth of knowledge but she is also here for each of us, to help make us better and more confident,” Gearside says.

And with more and more women coming through the ranks of umpiring, it is Gearside’s hope that they too can be an inspiration for the next generation of umpires coming through.

“We’re starting a legacy here – a new era for baseball.”

But for Gearside, it doesn’t matter if you’re a male or a female.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is, if you are good enough and you work hard enough, the pathways are there for anyone.”

Fiona Lambrick knows full well the path less traveled for female umpires.

Five years ago, when a vision from the Australian Umpire in Chief Brett Robson, proposed to her of one day having an all female crew at nationals, it opened Lambrick’s eyes to a world of possibilities.

Since then, Lambrick has not only been chasing her dreams but is committed to supporting her fellow females to own the role.

“It is a very male dominated field and that can be intimidating,” Lambrick said.

Mentoring is something that Lambrick thrives on. Accepted into the Australian Sports Commission mentor program to drive gender equity and positive sport experiences for women and girls.

It’s about enabling, empowering, and supporting women mentors, with the tools to influence positive change and navigate change management in their clubs or organisation.

“It’s great to see so many ladies not only taking up umpiring but also inspiring others to get involved.”

To those thinking of getting involved and taking up the artform, Gearside and Lambrick have the same message.

A rewarding world awaits for those willing to take it.

“Just give it a go, you never know where it will take you,” Gearside said.

“Know that you will make mistakes, it’s what you do with those mistakes that matters,

“Learn from them, let them grow and shape you. Just don’t make the same one twice!”

If you like asking questions, challenging yourself and being there for others, becoming an umpire may just be your calling.

The Umpires from this tournament are:

Australian Women’s Championship

• Leanne Gearside – NSW
• Alisha Jewry – QLD
• Lilian King – ACT
• Jen Langlands – NSW
• Carla Pinder – QLD
• Janine Thompson – VIC

Australian Youth Women’s Championship

• Irma Cortez – QLD
• Jan Gatti – NSW
• Liliana Ostara – QLD
• Anahera Russell – QLD
• Tess Sard – VIC
• Jenelle Stafilis – VIC

MORE FROM CONNIE ROWE AND BASEBALL AUSTRALIA

• Live from the best seat in the house – a scorer’s view of the AWC | Feature by Connie Rowe
• Live Blog: Women’s Championships – April 18 | Gold Medal Spots on the line on Good Friday
• Meet Emma Reid: The mother of three leading Queensland White despite injury
• AWC Feature: A Quinn-tessential Display of Pitching
• AWC Feature: Lila Hall at home at the plate