News

Baseball Australia has confirmed the introduction of a Roos composite squad for the 2026 Australian Women’s Championship (AWC), expanding opportunities for emerging female athletes and strengthening the depth of competition at the premier national women’s event.

The Roos replace the Queensland White development squad, marking a national approach to drawing in the next tier of talented players who narrowly missed selection for their home state.  The roster, which will be confirmed in 2026, will feature players from across the country.

The team will compete exclusively in the Open Women’s division — with no Roos team planned for the Australian Youth Women’s Championship.

The addition follows the pathway framework already established with the ACT Roos at the Australian Youth Championships, ensuring that high-potential players from across the country continue to access meaningful national-level experience as participation in women’s baseball grows.

Why the Roos?

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With women’s baseball numbers rising nationally, Baseball Australia’s goal is to ensure every Australian Championship is as competitive and developmentally valuable as possible.

The Roos model allows selectors to bring together the next-best available talent from across all states, creating an environment that raises the overall standard of the AWC and offers valuable exposure for up-and-coming athletes.

“This pathway allows us to draw upon the next best players who just missed out on selection for their home state from across the country to keep improving the quality of the Australian Women’s Championship,” said Michael Crooks, Baseball Australia’s Performance Pathways & Player Development Manager.

“With numbers in the women’s game increasing across the country, this is a great opportunity for those up-and-coming players to gain valuable AWC experience.”

Queensland will still enter a single women’s state team at the Australian Women’s Championship but will be moving away from the Queensland White development side.

The shift opens new nationally aligned opportunities through the Baseball Australia Roos program, while Baseball Queensland expands its pathway with a new U18 Women’s Team who will play in Japan, and international development initiatives.

“These changes are about creating more meaningful opportunities and stronger long-term pathways for female athletes,” Baseball Queensland CEO Gareth Jones said.

How This Strengthens Australian Baseball

The timing of the initiative is crucial. The first round of the 2027 Women’s World Cup will take place later in 2026, making the AWC a vital proving ground for national team selection and preparation.

“An increase in the quality of the Australian Women’s Championship will provide more competitive games across the event,” Crooks said. “That’s not only a better competitive experience but also important preparation for the first World Cup stage. It also provides exposure to players transitioning into their state representative program and helps bridge the gap between Youth Championships and the senior AWC.”

Crooks confirmed the model will not extend to the youth age groups in 2026.

“At the youth level, we’ll be sticking with state-versus-state without the Roos,” he said. “The composite model is specifically for the Women’s Championship, where it best strengthens the event and provides that additional layer of opportunity.”

The Roos Women’s squad will begin assembling ahead of the 2026 Australian Women’s Championship, with further details — including schedule and roster structure — to be announced soon.

Look and Feel

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The Roos Women’s team will have its own distinct identity at the 2026 AWC.

The design will feature:
– Black Roos logo on a black cap
– Orange jersey design
– A look and feel that stands apart while still fitting seamlessly within the national championship environment

This presentation echoes the broader Roos brand but reflects a tailored aesthetic for the women’s space.

by Jena Osman

Players stretched out they’re aching legs, as they waited for the next pitch, each step sweeping the dirt, feet barely lifting off the ground.

The only light came from floodlights that threw long shadows across the pitch. Exhaustion mixed with the dark sky, made it almost impossible to find the ball.

While the rest of Melbourne slept, while Springvale baseball club women were deep into a baseball game. A game with no finish line expect sunrise.

Yet no one complained, and no one thought to stop.

Because this wasn’t just a baseball marathon

This was for Barky.

Beyond Blue for Barky

Six years ago, Beyond Blue for Barky was born and has since become an annual event.

It came out of a place of tragedy. At just 29-years-old, five-time Emerald Jacinda Barclay passed away. She was both a legendary football and baseball player.

Jacinda ‘Barky’ Barclay left a huge mark on the sporting community, partially her friends and teammates at Springvale Baseball Club.

To honour her legacy and raise awareness for mental health, the club has partnered with Beyond Blue, turning November 15th into a signature day for the club.

Beyond Blue is a charity that provides support for people experiencing mental health challenges. The event promotes people to speak up, showing them that they are not alone.

Over the past six years the club has raised just over $22,000, with all proceeds going to Beyond Blue charity.

At the heart of it all is Simone Wearne, one of Australia’s great baseball players – a multiple time national champion and Emerald.

In previous yeas, the event featured anything Barky would have loved. Corn on the cob after their game as Barky and Wearne shared a love of corn.

Another year – it was ‘beers and beats’. You guessed it – the community enjoyed music and beers.

However, this year Wearne wanted to do something that truly reflected Barkys outrageous, Joyful personality.

Something a little crazier.

Something like a 24-hour baseball game.

That’s right, 24 continuous hours of straight baseball.

“It was a double whammy, I thought let’s do something outrageous because that’s what she would have loved and let’s raise way more only in the one day,” Wearne said.

The game was held at Melbourne Ballpark on November 15-16 and raised just over $22,000.

It’s the first 24-hour game that we know in Australia, and the second women’s game we can find since 2003 in Chicago (organised by Baseball Vic member Rob Novotny, nonetheless)

In one day, they raised more than what they had over 5 years.

After huge success, Wearne laughed that she’s already feeling the pressure for 2026.

“Next year I don’t know what we’re going to do, maybe we’ll play in water,” she joked.

Planning the impossible

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To people like us, 24 hours of baseball sounds impossible, but to those who knew Barky, it just made sense.

The first person on Wearne call list was Barkys close friend and former teammate, Mandy.

“I told her [about the 24-hour game] and she said oh yeh… that’s crazy, but let’s do it because Barky would love it,” Wearne said.

Apart from the game, a lot of time went into planning, scheduling and rostering.

Rostering was organised via a google form which allowed players to pick a 2-hour time slot in the game. Barky was a huge advocate for women’s sport, so it was only fitting that the game welcomed any registered women’s player to play.

“More then 70 girls played, which she would have loved,” said Wearne. “We had people turn up just to play for 2:30am to 4:30am.”

People didn’t just show up to play, they showed up for each other. What started as a roster in a google form quickly turned into a steady stream of players, rivals, coaches, teammates, coming through the gates at all hours of the night.

“People brought caravans and slept in the carpark in case we needed a few fill ins,” said Wearne. “A player who retired 10 years ago came and pitched 11 innings; it was unbelievable.”

The community that never slept

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By midnight, Melbourne Ballpark felt less like a stadium and more like a campfire refused to burn out.

Players shared stories of Barky on the field while friends shared coffee on the benches.

“Some of the girls were struggling to run or couldn’t throw well 10 or 12 hours in, but we just kept going because we knew we had to,” Wearne said.

Not only did Wearne lead the event, but she also played 17.5 of the 24 hours.

Players organised pledges from $10 an hour to $200.

Raising $2000 on her own, Wearne joked that she almost tricked people into pledging by the hour.

“When they saw 17.5 hours, they were abit worried” Wearne laughed, “but they all paid, it was awesome.”

Barky’s legacy lives on

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When legs grew heavy and arms weak, Barky’s sprit remained stronger than ever.

Wearne’s face lights up the room when Barky is mentioned. She even still carries the nickname “Granny May,” which Barky had given her years ago.

About a month before the 24-hour game, Wearne and her teammates found themselves wrapped in memories of long flights, hotel hallways, traveling the world with Barky.

“She’d be up late running around the hallways before a game and id be in bed getting my rest,” Wearne laughed.

During the game, those memories didn’t feel distant at all, she was right there with them.

“We could kind of hear her talking to us, saying come on guys, you need to make this happen,” Wearne said.

When fatigued kicked in, Wearne could almost hear her checky voice, ‘you can’t do this Granny May, your too old.’

Adrenaline took over.

“We physically found a way.”

The sun finally rose over Melbourne Ballpark after a night that felt endless and electric.

Emotion overtook the girl exhausted girls.

“Everyone just sort of broke down and went oh my goodness did we just do that, how cool is that” Wearne said.

From close friends of Barky, to players from rival clubs to people who had never even heard her name. They were all brought together for the same cause.

“We honoured Barky and celebrated her but also people are learning about who she was and that’s even more important.”

Not only was money raised for Beyond Blue, but the day created a space for conversations that too often stay hidden. A space for people to feel safe, supported and reminded that they are never alone.

Barkys legacy now stretches far beyond the diamond. Its paving the way for people to ask for help and to speak up to say ‘I’m struggling’ without shame or stigma.

“In 2025 we have to really amplify that we want people to talk and not to be suffering in silence,” Wearne said.

OTHER STORIES BY JENA OSMAN

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Why Allie Bebbere dropped everything to travel to the USA for a chance at the Big Leagues 

The Making of a Strikeout King: Josh Bishopp’s unlikely rise

Monica Arcuri has just secured a baseball opportunity of a lifetime. She’s just 12-years-old.

Monica has officially signed with Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School, the top women’s baseball high school in Japan.

The school caters to students aged 15 to 18 but Monica has been specially accepted into their elite baseball program. She’s the youngest Aussie to sign with a Japanese high school.

There’s an Australian connection to the school. Kobe Koryo played against Queensland earlier this year (2025), winning all their games. They’ll be returning to the Gold Coast this December, where Monica will join their team.

She has committed to a one-year training program in Japan, starting in March 2026.

It is a cherry on top of an incredible year for Monica. She represented Australia with Brisbane North at the Little League World Series (LLWS) while also competing in tournaments with Japanese teams in Tokyo and Melbourne.

Monica became the 24th girl to ever play in the Little League World Series, playing first base and pitching for Brisbane North.

“We couldn’t be prouder,” says Rodrigo Arcuri, Monica’s father. “It’s an unbelievable milestone. This wouldn’t be possible if she didn’t have the best training and support of the Narangba Demons Baseball Club, Brisbane North Baseball and Brisbane Bandits pitching coaches. We couldn’t be prouder of her dedication, passion, and
courage to chase her dream on the international stage.”

Monica leaves with her family in February where she will train six days a week.

Congrats, Monica! The whole community is so proud.

21 Australian women are off to Japan to play with and against some of the best baseball players in the world, including two exhibition games vs the World #1 Japanese National Team.

The team is called the ‘Down Under Diamonds’ – it’s an off shoot of the Diamonds in the Rough Program.

The Down Under Diamonds will be in Togichi City, one of a number of “Women’s Baseball Cities” in Japan, from September 18-29. They’ll play against top Japanese women’s club and finish with games against Team Japan.

The player list is below. Honestly, this roster is stacked!

The team is made up of Emeralds and Australian Women’s Championship stars.

The coaching staff scrubs up alright too.

The Diamonds will be coached by the longest serving Emerald Shae Lillywhite, multiple-time Emerald Laura Neads and the head coach of the Japanese women’s national team Risa Nakashima.

The program was coordinated by supported by Togichi City, the Japanese Women’s Baseball Federation and Diamonds in the Rough. Narelle Gosstray, the founder of Diamonds in the Rough, organised the tour from Australia with Nakashima running point in Japan on behalf of the Japanese Federation.

You can also check out the schedule at the bottom of this article.

Best of luck to all!

PLAYER LIST

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– Abbey Kelly (VIC)
– Abbey McLellan (VIC)
– Ashley Van Staden (QLD)
– Bianca Ramsey (SA)
– Caitlin Eynon (WA)
– Carly Moore (SA)
– Cayla Johnston (NSW)
– Chloe Atkinson (WA)
– Claire O’Sullivan (NSW)
– Elodie O’Sullivan (WA)
– Gemma Letton (SA)
– Georgia Davis (SA)
– Isobel Lambert (NSW)
– Jasmine Bentley (VIC)
– Lisa Nakashio (NSW)
– Maddison Erwin (NSW)
– Meaghan Haggart (WA)
– Molly Paddison (QLD)
– Paula Doherty (VIC)
– Ruby Dale (VIC)
– Sarah McMahon (SA)

Coaches

Shae Lillywhite
Laura Neads
Risa Nakashima

SCHEDULE

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September 19 – Training with Zenko Beams, the Japanese Women’s Club Champions

September 20 – Game vs Lions, one of the best teams in Japan

September 21 – Game #2 vs Lions

September 22 – Training with Agekke

September 23 – Game vs Zenko Beams

September 24 – Training Day / High School Visit

September 26 – Visit Shrine & High School Visit

September 27 – Game vs Team Japan

September 28 – Game vs Team Japan

One thing is for sure: an O’Sullivan will win the Japanese Women’s Club Championship. The question is which one?

Two sisters – Claire O’Sullivan and Elodie O’Sullivan – have reached the Gold Medal Final of the top women’s competition in Japan.

The catch? They’re on two different teams. The twist? They’re up against each other with a national championship on the line.

Elodie and Tokai Nexus will face Claire and the Zenko Beams at the 2025 All Japan Women’s Baseball Championship.

First pitch is at 6:00PM AEST. You can watch on Madonna Japan TV.
Each team had to run through a single-elimination gauntlet starting with 34 teams. Both squads have won four games so far.

Earlier on Thursday, Elodie’s Tokai Nexus squad won 5-2 in the semi-final. Elodie has performed well in the tournament, producing a couple hits and an RBI.

Elodie is in her third season with Tokai Nexus.

Claire and the Zenko Beams won their semi-final clash 3-1 on Thursday afternoon. Claire had a key hit early in the win the win.

She has been used both in the field and on the mound during the tournament. Claire tossed 4.0 excellent innings in their quarterfinal win.

“It means the world to be able to play for a national title in the strongest women’s league in the world,” says Elodie. “It’s really cool to see the development of my teammates at Nexus over the last three years to get to this point and I’m so happy to be able to be part of a team of great baseballers but better human beings.”

Another Australian, Ruby Dale, played for Brave Oceans but fell in the Round of 16.

Now, Elodie and Claire go head-to-head!

I have very mixed feelings but whichever way it goes we win,” says Elodie. “I’m mostly excited to be able to share the field with her on such a big occasion. It’ll be a mental challenge to see Bev as just another jersey and I’ll be doing everything I can to help Nexus win the title.”

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.

MORE FROM ELIZA WOOD

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• Kira Kuwamoto Shines After 11th Hour Call Up
• 10 Years On: How South Australian Women’s Baseball is Taking the Country By Storm
• Meet Caitlin Eynon: The World-Class Talent chasing Baseball Greatness & Inspiring the Next Generation
• FEATURE: Team-first, dream-driven: Molly Paddison is focused and raising the bar
• Feature: Six Things You Didn’t Know About Australian Women’s Baseball 

 

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

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– 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