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Paddy McLoughlin says an experience playing against the United States helped shape his path to college baseball.

In 2024, as a member of Australia’s U16 squad, McLoughlin toed the rubber vs the United States’ prolific Under 15 squad.

He said he felt like he belonged.

“For every pitcher that comes off the mound they bring on another one equally as good,” McLoughlin said. “Playing at that level really helped me to see where I need to be when I get to the USA.”

Now, the Redcliffe Padres product is heading there himself after committing to Dodge City Community College, where he will begin in August 2026.

McLoughlin’s pathway has been shaped through Queensland representation and consistent exposure to high-level competition.

He has been part of the state team at the Australian Youth Championship for four consecutive years, while also gaining international experience through tours to Taiwan and Perfect Game events in the United States.

He says each opportunity added perspective.

“The level was high,” he said. “You meet really good players and you start to understand what it takes.”

His time with Team Australia at U16 level proved especially important. Facing elite opposition gave him a benchmark, and a clear direction for his development.

Listed as both a pitcher and outfielder, McLoughlin’s immediate impact at college is expected to come on the mound.

His pitch mix includes a fastball, two-seam fastball, curveball, slider and changeup, with a strong emphasis on feel and movement.

“My off-speed pitching and movement of the ball are my strengths,” he says.

The next step is building on that foundation.

“I’m looking to improve my velocity and overall mechanics,” adds McLoughlin.

Behind the scenes, McLoughlin’s development has been shaped by strong support at Redcliffe Padres. From Little League through to A-grade, he credits his coaches and family for helping guide his journey.

“My Mum and Dad have always supported me,” he said. “My coaches at Redcliffe have believed in me since I was young.”

Coaches such as Phil Overlack played a key role in providing opportunities at A-grade level and introducing strength training, while former Major Leaguer Travis Blackley helped refine his understanding of pitching and ball movement.

Dodge City has become a familiar destination for Australian players, with Queenslander Hayden Dingli currently in the program and existing connections through Baseball Australia pathways.

READ MORE: Stories on Aussies going to college

“It is great to see the connection with Dodge City and Australian players continue over the last 10-15 years and Paddy will be the next part of that,” says Baseball Australia player development manager Andrew Riddell. “They have had the likes of Brayden Schuler, Scott Hillier, Tim Wakefield, myself and currently with Hayden Dingli there which will make the transition for Paddy even easier.”

Ridell adds that he’s been loving Paddy’s progression over the last few seasons.

“We have seen him for multiple years now compete,” he says. “Paddy’ ability to mix speeds on the mound and keep hitters off-balance has always been a big part of his game. As he starts to mature physically, his velocity will continue to improve. He has also shown the ability to put the ball in play a lot at the plate and will be able to continue his offensive development while at Dodge City.”

For McLoughlin, the move is about more than just performance.

“I’m excited to compete at a high level and improve my game,” he said. “As well as living away from home, becoming independent and being part of the school community.”

With a deep pitch mix, international experience and a clear plan for development, McLoughlin now takes the next step, heading to Kansas ready to test himself at the junior college level.

When Tyson Wardrop pulled on a green and gold uniform and toured the United States with the Australian U16 squad in 2024, something clicked.

“After touring that year, I was motivated to get to the next level,” Wardrop said. “We visited some incredible ball fields through Baseball Australia – Auburn and Clemson to name a couple – and faced an exceptional USA 15U team. From then, I knew I wanted to get back over there and take my shot.”

That process led to more than 20 calls with schools across NCAA, NAIA and the JUCO landscape. Now, the Surfers Paradise Baseball Club right-hander, who turns 18 in March, has found his fit: Chattanooga State Community College.

It’s a Tennessee-based Division 1 Junior College program with a proud history of developing players and sending them on to four-year universities.

Wardrop carries what scouts describe as “high projectability.” He has a 6’3” frame that, with additional power and weight, is built to generate considerably more velocity.

But those who have watched him closely are equally impressed by what is already there: a high baseball IQ, advanced command, and a mature understanding of what it means to get hitters out.

“This season has been a lot about command, especially after I was promoted to Division 1 starting pitcher in the Queensland Men’s State League (GBL) for Surfers Paradise,” he said.

In addition to representing Australia at the U16 level, Wardrop has worn the Queensland state colours on multiple occasions, including the U16 side that claimed a silver medal in 2024, and earned back-to-back selection in the Queensland U18 team.

The choice of Chatt State was driven by more than baseball alone.

READ MORE: Stories on Aussies going to college

Wardrop will major in Civil Engineering, and the program’s strong academic pathways were central to his decision – a place at Griffith University was his domestic fallback, underlining that his ambitions extend well beyond the diamond.

“It’s a combination of strong baseball and academic pathways,” he said. “Completing those credentials while over there was really important. My fallback was studying Engineering at Uni here at home, but this is the best of both worlds.”

Chatt State is a proven JUCO program. Under Head Coach Greg Dennis, now in his 23rd season, the Tigers have produced 13 NJCAA All-Americans over the past nine seasons and consistently placed players at four-year programs including Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas Tech and Central Florida.

The calibre of the TCCAA conference is no secret – rivals Walters State were runners-up at the 2025 NJCAA World Series.

Wardrop will work under Pitching and Player Development Coach Mike Spears, who brings professional-level experience and a data-informed approach to pitcher development – including work with Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia.

“Tyson is an intriguing addition to our 2026 class. He has the frame, the baseball IQ and the competitive makeup we look for, and there is plenty of development still ahead of him. I’m keen to work closely with him to maximise those gains and see him play a real role in our pitching staff,” said Spears.

For Wardrop, the move to the United States is also about immersing himself fully in the game and finding out exactly how far his ability can take him.

“We only manage to get one or two games a week here in Australia,” he said. “I’m ready for it to be 24/7. I want to find out what I’m capable of when baseball is the priority every single day.”

Baseball runs deep in the Wardrop family.

Tyson’s father Adam is a long-time ABL player who signed professionally with the then California Angels in the ‘90s, while his uncle Ben Foster is a former Aussie representative, ABL player and ex-General Manager of the ABL.

Right up until Tyson boards the plane, he and Adam will be lining up together for Surfers Paradise on a weekly basis – a father and son sharing the field one last time before the next chapter begins.

“This is what we’ve all been working toward, and Dad understands what it means better than anyone – he’s lived it. My whole family has had my back the whole way and the club has been my home since Little League, so I’ve grown up around some legends here,” says Wardrop. “I have a lot of people to thank for getting me to this point. Now it’s time to go and see what I can do.”

The Club connection runs deeper than most.

Surfers Paradise head coach Kevin Fenn was himself coached by Adam Wardrop during his own playing days at the club, long before Tyson was born.

“To now be coaching Tyson is something pretty special. He’s a competitor who has not scratched the surface of what he is capable of, and Chattanooga State are getting a player who will make this club proud. We cannot wait to follow his journey,” said Fenn.

Wardrop becomes the latest in a long line of Surfers Paradise Baseball Club players to earn college opportunities in the United States, following the club’s Class of 2025, which saw five players head Stateside.

More Australians are playing baseball in college than ever before.

With college seasons getting underway this month,  we thought it would be helpful to list out where every Aussie is playing.

Disclaimer: assembling a list like this is challenging. If we missed you, we mean no offence by it at all. Simply email Andrew Riddell (Andrew.riddell@baseball.com.au) and he’ll add you to the list and forward on to our media department.

NCAA DIVISION 1

– Billy Baker (QLD, INF) – Georgia Tech (Sophomore)
– Josh Beezley (NSW, RHP) – Arkansas Little Rock (Senior)
– Blake Cavill (NSW, 1B) – Troy (Senior)
–  Chase Diggins (WA, INF) – Nebraska-Omaha (Senior)
– Travis Finney (VIC, INF) – South Dakota St (Junior)
– Henry Hayman (VIC, INF) – Akron (Senior)
– Sam Jackson (NSW, LHP) – New Mexico (Junior)
– Johnny Lemm (QLD, C/1B/RF) – Alabama (Senior)
– Daniel Mills (NSW, RHP) – Columbia (Sophomore)
– Ryan Morrison (VIC, RHP) – Wichita State (Senior)
– Adam Mustow (NSW, C) – Arkansas State (Junior)
– Conor Myles (VIC, LHP) – Texas San Antonio (Senior)
– Jimmy Nati (NSW, UTL) – Stanford (Senior)
– Josh Nati (NSW, UTL) – Oregon State (Freshman)
– Will Page-Allen (ACT, RHP) – Fresno State (Junior)
– Zak Skinner (VIC, C) – Central Florida (Senior)
– Max Stagg (SA, OF) – UC Santa Barbara (Sophomore)
– Jack Waters (QLD, RHP) – Cumberlands (Senior)
– Harry Wilton (NSW, OF) – St. Peters (Freshman)
– Mason Wray (VIC, C) – Northwestern State (Senior)
– James Voorhies (USA, RHP / C) – Cal State Northridge (Freshman)

NCAA DIVISION II

– Jaecob Arnott (QLD, LHP) – UTPB (Junior)
– Tom Chessell (QLD, 1B) – East Central (Sophomore)
– William Edwards (NSW, OF) – University of Sioux Falls (Senior)
– Joel Hogan (QLD, RHP) – East Central (Senior)
– Quinn Johnson (NSW, C) – Oklahoma Baptist (Sophomore)
– Hunter Mitchell (SA, RHP/INF) – Lincoln (Freshman)
– Ed Noy (NSW, RHP) – Lincoln (Freshman)
– Ryan Othen (VIC, RHP) – Newman (Junior)
– Charlie Pierson (VIC, RHP) – Eastern New Mexico (Sophomore)
– Taran Rose (VIC, C) – Quincy (Sophomore)
– Brady Smith (SA, C) – Gannon (Freshman)

NCAA DIVISION III

– Alex Duske (VIC, RHP) – Alfred (Sophomore)
– Adam Jirik (VIC, UTL) – Lebanon Valley (Junior)
– Joshua Light (NSW, RHP/OF) – Crown (Freshman)
– Evan Maury (VIC, 1B) – Lewis and Clark (Junior)
– Sam O’Connor (QLD, LHP) – Thomas College (Freshman)
– Nathan Paes (NSW, OF) – Thomas (Freshman)
– Stephen Pearson, Junior at University of Mount St Vincent
– Patrick Temby (WA, C) – Thomas (Senior)

NAIA

– Josh Ashen (VIC, RHP) – Ottawa (Junior)
– Darcy Barry (SA, INF) – Arkansas-Monticello (Senior)
– Marcus Graham (VIC, C) – Missouri Baptist (Senior)
– Adam Harris (VIC, OF) – Reinhardt (Sophomore)
– Rhys Fairweather (VIC, RHP) – Morningside (Senior)
– Owen Glover (NSW, INF) – Midland (Junior)
– Parker Lovering (QLD, RHP) – Montreat (Freshman)
– Flynn McGahan (WA, RHP) – Concordia University (Sophomore)
– James Napier (NSW, OF) – Wayland Baptist (Junior)
– Bronson Neave (VIC, INF) – LSU-Shreveport (Junior)
– Tyson Noel (WA, LHP) – Science & Arts of Oklahoma (Senior)
– Jaycob Pascuzzi (VIC, C) – Mount Marty (Junior)
– Joel Prpic (VIC, OF) – Mayville State (Junior)
– Mcleod Sell (VIC, INF) – Georgetown (Junior)
– Abe Squire (SA,  P) – St. Xavier (Junior)
– Stuart Tharle (ACT, RHP) – Cumberlands (Senior)
– Travis Webster (NSW, RHP) – Midland (Freshman)

JUCO (Junior College)

– Lachlan Amon (VIC, LHP) – Williston State (Freshman)
– Zach Altamura (SA, INF) – New Mexico JC (Freshman)
– Alasdair Ballantyne (NSW, RHP) – McCook (Freshman)
– Blake Barlow (QLD, RHP) – Clarendon (Sophomore)
– Nic Bertucci (VIC, RHP/OF) – Central Arizona (Sophomore)
– Felix Brunner (VIC, LHP) – Arizona Western (Sophomore)
– Jake Calver (QLD, OF) – Central Maine (Sophomore)
– Chaise Chabi (NSW, RHP) – McCook (Sophomore)
– Koby Chesterton (NSW, RHP) – Angelina (Sophomore)
– Conor Clark (NSW, RHP) – National Park (Freshman)
– Will Couzner (SA, RHP) – Iowa Lakes (Freshman)
– Josh Davies (WA, C) – Feather River (Sophomore)
– Mitch Denny (VIC, INF) – Frank Phillips (Freshman)
– Hayden Dingli (QLD, RHP) – Dodge City (Freshman)
– Luke Donaghey (NSW, OF) – Galveston (Freshman)
– Callum Donnelly (NSW, OF) – Indian Hills (Sophomore)
– James Fergusson (NSW, RHP) – Vernon (Freshman)
– Logan Fielder (NSW, OF) – NOC Enid (Sophomore)
– Cal Fingleson (NSW, INF) – Tyler (Freshman)
– Olivier Flokstra (NSW, 1B/OF) – Redlands (Freshman)
– Jackson Frame (NSW, RHP/1B) – Lorain County (Sophomore)
– Caleb Garven (NSW, RHP) – Taft (Sophomore)
– Dawson George (WA, RHP/INF) – Taft (Sophomore)
– Toby Gleeson-Payne (NSW, RHP) – National Park (Sophomore)
– Zac Gorman (VIC, UTL) – Central Maine (Sophomore)
– Riley Hall (WA, RHP) – New Mexico JC (Freshman)
– Oscar Hyde (QLD, LHP) – Tacoma (Sophomore)
– Ty Iddon (QLD, OF) – Tacoma (Sophomore)
– Alex James (VIC, RHP) – San Joaquin Delta (Sophomore)
– Milar Kuhl (VIC, INF) – Ventura (Freshman)
– Ben Karakasis (NSW, RHP) – Galveston (Freshman)
– Cam Landy (WA, INF) – National Park (Sophomore)
– Ryan Langworthy (VIC, RHP) – York County (Freshman)
– Zac Leggett (QLD, RHP) – Clarendon (Freshman)
– Gabe Leitch (QLD, INF) – York County (Freshman)
– Evan Maury (VIC, 1B) – Lewis and Clark College (Freshman)
– Flynn McKee (SA, INF) – Galveston (Freshman)
– Phoenix McFarland (NSW, INF) – National Park (Freshman)
– Max Miotto (NSW, INF/RHP) – Missouri State – West Plains (Freshman)
– Zac Morris (NSW, INF) – National Park (Freshman)
– Jesse Neretlis (WA, C) – Pima (Sophomore)
– Luc Oishi (NSW, INF) – Central Maine (Freshman)
– Zane Overlack (QLD, RHP – Clarendon (Freshman)
– Nic Paparella (SA, INF/OF) – Galveston (Sophomore)
– Bailey Parcel (NSW, INF) – Central Maine (Freshman)
– Nick Parton (VIC, UTL) – NIACC (Sophomore)
– Hayden Purchase (NSW, C) – Antelope Valley (Sophomore)
– Jack Ratcliffe (VIC, INF) – Iowa Central (Freshman)
– Kai Reid (SA, OF) – North Central Texas (Sophomore)
– Raul Romero (QLD, RHP) – McCook (Sophomore)
– Jake Scott (QLD, OF) – Redlands (Freshman)
– Oscar Shellshear (QLD, RHP) – National Park (Freshman)
– Lachlan Smith (VIC, INF) – Frank Phillips (Sophomore)
– Tyler Spiteri (NSW, OF) – Frank Phillips (Sophomore)
– Zach Smith (QLD, INF) – Golden West (Freshman)
– James Squire (VIC, RHP) – Douglas (Sophomore)
– Max Strickland (QLD, RHP) – Yavapai (Freshman)
– Nick Suykens (NSW, RHP) – Cisco (Freshman)
– Mikah Targett (NSW, RHP) – McCook (Freshman)
– Caleb Tunkin (NSW, C) – Edmonds (Freshman)
– Kyan Wallington (NSW, INF) – Galveston (Sophomore)
– Cooper Wilson (NSW, OF) – Miles CC Montana Freshman
– Lachlan West (NSW, C) – Wenatchee Valley (Freshman)
– Tim Yeomans (ACT, C) – New Mexico JC (Freshman)

One of Victoria’s most resilient and accomplished young pitchers is taking the next step in his baseball journey to the United States.

Right-handed pitcher Ryder Wilson has committed to Sussex County Community College in New Jersey, where he will study Exercise Science and continue his development on the mound. Wilson is scheduled to depart for the U.S. in Fall 2026.

Wilson’s pathway has been anything but linear. It’s turned into a defining part of what makes him the player he is.

Wilson is an AYC Gold Medalist and AYC Golden Arm winner.

A product of Melbourne’s deep club baseball system, Wilson currently plays summer baseball with Melbourne Baseball Club and winter baseball with Greenhills-Montmorency Baseball Club, where he has spent the last three seasons refining his craft and establishing himself at the highest domestic level.

He began his junior career with Upwey Ferntree Gully, an environment he credits with shaping his early foundation.

“I was lucky to have Donovan Hendricks guiding my transition from juniors to seniors,” Wilson says. “He backed me early, showed confidence in my ability, and promoted me into the Premier Division 1 senior team at a young age.”

Wilson was part of back-to-back VSBL Division 1 premiership teams at just 15 and 16 years old, gaining exposure to senior baseball well ahead of schedule.

During winter seasons, he developed further at North Balwyn Baseball Club, where he says being surrounded by elite talent helped set his standards.

“Working under Neil Burke was incredibly inspiring,” Wilson says. “Being around ABL and Australian players like Chris Burke, Darryl George, Cam Gibbons, Jon Kennedy, the Dales and the Youngs gave me the chance to watch, learn, and understand what high-level baseball actually looks like.”

Breaking into North Balwyn’s first team was difficult, and as Wilson matured, he made a defining career decision.

“Three years ago, I made the tough call to move to Greenhills-Montmorency,” he says. “They have exceptional talent, strong coaching, and a real development focus. I arrived at the right time and was given meaningful opportunities.”

Those opportunities turned into results.

Wilson earned Second Grade MVP in his second season, then followed it up by winning First Grade MVP the following year.  He pitched a complete game in the semi-final and a shutout in the grand final as part of a Division 1 championship side.

He then became a ‘pitcher only.’

“My Victorian pathway reflected that versatility,” he explains. “I was selected as a catcher for the U16 AYC team, then shifted to outfield and pitching in my first U18 year. When I returned for my final U18 trials, I nominated as a pitcher only.”

Wilson now works with a five pitch mix — a four-seam fastball, sinker, slider, curveball and change-up — and prides himself on attacking hitters.

“I’ve always pitched with the same mindset,” he says. “Go hard, attack hitters, and trust your field.”

His biggest strength, however, is not just physical.

“I’d say my biggest strength is grit and resilience,” Wilson says. “I was never the biggest kid on the diamond, but I refused to be outworked. Development isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon.”

Wilson has represented Victoria at three Australian Youth Championships, medalling three times – Silver, Bronze and Gold.

“He’s had a great junior career,” says Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell. “He’s had one of the two better outings we’ve ever seen at a national championship, a Team Australia trip to Florida and an MLB select trip to Florida.”

He’s also represented the Australia Region at a Senior League World Series.

Winning Gold at the 2024 AYC carried special meaning.

“I’d missed out on World Cup selection earlier, and that setback motivated me,” he says. “I came into the tournament with something to prove and ended up being awarded the Golden Arm. I’ve always looked at non-selection as ‘not yet’ rather than ‘no’.”

That momentum continued internationally. Wilson was selected to represent Australia at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Tournament in Florida, before earning a spot on the MLB World Select Team for the Arizona College Showcase tour.

Those experiences helped shape his college decision.

But, Andrew Riddell praises Wilson’s patience to his college approach.

“He decided to take a year off after high school when he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his future and it allowed him to take a step back and really focus on what is going to help him in college,” says Riddell. “He had a great year in club ball in Melbourne, added velocity and most importantly worked on his secondary pitches so that when he gets to college he will be able to compete at a high level with multiple different pitches in the strike zone.”

Wilson has a strong Australian connection waiting for him at Sussex County. Billy Parsons, a former Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces pitcher who has represented Australia and now competes professionally with the Sussex County Miners, is currently on the college’s pitching staff.

“I was lucky to have Billy as a mentor during my first year on the Melbourne Aces Development Roster,” Wilson says. “His guidance and his connection to Sussex first led me to explore what the college offered both academically and athletically.”

Wilson says he received scholarship interest from several programs before choosing Sussex County.

“In the end, it was about finding the environment that best aligned with my goals on the field and in the classroom.”

At college, his focus is clear.

“I’m looking to develop physically through strength and conditioning and refine my pitching mechanics to see what my ceiling really is,” he says. “College will be crucial over the next two years — not just for development, but for positioning myself for the best opportunities when it’s time to move on to a four-year school.”

Riddell thinks his stuff will compete at college.

“He has always been a tough competitor that wants the ball in the biggest of games and situations and his versatility to be able to start games or come out of the bullpen is really going to help him at Sussex,” says Riddell. “I am looking forward to continue watching him develop and help his team win games just like he has done everywhere he has pitched in Australia.”

Wilson credits his father as the person who first set him on this path.

“My dad introduced me to baseball,” he says. “He never played, but a throwing clinic presentation by Jon Deeble made a huge impression on him. He suggested I try baseball in winter, and I loved it straight away.”

In a full-circle moment, the first professional development roster Wilson ever joined was with the Melbourne Aces — signed by Jon Deeble himself.

“That’s where my baseball journey really began,” Wilson says.

Now, with a clear identity on the mound, a proven competitive résumé, and a college commitment secured, Wilson is ready for the next challenge.