Queensland umpire Anahera Russell recently officiated at the Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Victoria — and was recognised with the No More Spirit of the Game Award.
We thought it was the perfect time to catch up with Anahera and hear more about her journey, her favourite moments, and why umpiring brings her so much joy 🙌
Getting to Know You
How long have you been umpiring, and what first inspired you to pick up the umpire gear?
I started umpiring 5 years ago when I played softball. I took a break from umpiring when my boys moved to baseball and missed it a lot, so I picked it back up at the end of the 23/24 season.
What do you love most about being part of the baseball community at Redcliffe Padres?
I love that anytime I’m at the diamonds, I’m always supported and encouraged. I’ve met some amazing, selfless people who love baseball and want to share that with the wider community. Padres really are for the love of the game!
Spirit of the Game Award
How did it feel to be recognised with the Spirit of the Game Award at the recent AWC & AYWC championships?
I was honoured. I am only the third person to win that award, and I felt so lucky that Janine, last year’s winner, was part of our team this year too. I was already so happy and grateful to be umpiring at AWYC — that was totally unexpected.
This award is all about fair play, teamwork, community and respect — what do those values mean to you when you’re on the diamond?
I feel like it means everything on the diamond. Embracing these values not only enhances my experience as an umpire but also helps shape character and builds a legacy of positive influence for women and young girls, both on and off the field.
Can you share a moment during the tournament where you feel you really lived out those values?
There were so many moments on and off the diamond. The little chats with the players between innings, the banter with spectators, coming together after games and being given encouraging feedback, dinners where we shared stories about our umpiring journeys. But most of all, I felt I lived these values every day — being beyond happy to be there umpiring and sharing my passion with the many people whose path I crossed. I described being at Nationals as the “BEST WEEK EVER!” There wasn’t a day I didn’t arrive at the ballpark not smiling 😄
What advice would you give to young players or umpires about embracing the spirit of baseball, both on and off the field?
Baseball’s a game — be competitive, but don’t forget to have fun too!!
Umpire of the Year – Redcliffe Padres
Congratulations on also being named Umpire of the Year for Redcliffe Padres! 🎉 What does this recognition mean to you personally?
Thank you! Honestly, it felt like the family got together to recognise and celebrate many awesome achievements this season. I couldn’t be prouder receiving this award and I hope it encourages more women and girls to have a go at umpiring!!
What do you think has helped you grow the most as an umpire this year?
I think what’s helped me grow the most as an umpire this year is the belief and support from not just the Padres family, but club members all over Brisbane. This season (for Padres) I umpired juniors from Little League through to Senior League, Masters, Women’s, and Divs 5 & 6 on Sundays. I picked up games for other clubs, umpired at Women’s Div 2 State Titles, Junior League State Titles and recently AYWC. I have learnt so much from so many people, all of whom I am grateful to for passing on their knowledge and experiences to help me be a better umpire.
Is there a game or moment this season that stands out as a personal highlight in your umpiring journey?
I had a few! I got to plate behind both my boys this season. There was lots of “constructive feedback” after those games 😂 but most recently at State Titles, I was base umpire in a LL Invitational game between Brisbane North and North Queensland. I got to team up with Dan Del Nido (OMG he’s off to umpire at the Little League World Series!! So cool!). The game was brilliant! The kids were having a great time, I was fist-bumping kids in the outfield who made great catches. It’s inspiring to see kids be kids — watching their faces light up with pure joy and having fun!
Reflections and Future Goals
How do you stay positive and motivated through the highs and challenges of umpiring?
At the beginning of the season it was really hard to process “those looks” on a called strike or ball, or a spectator calling out “hard on you batter” — but I kept putting my hand up to umpire because it’s my happy place. I remember the first time I watched Carla umpire, I was in awe 🤩 The many times I’ve teamed up with Cass and learnt so much from her — and now she’s off to Williamsport to umpire in the Maria Pepe Little League Legacy Series! Meeting and rubbing shoulders with Lilian King who graduated from Wendelstedt Umpire School in Florida (OMG!!) — I have met some brilliant umpires, both male and female, young and old. They make me feel like the sky’s the limit!
What are your goals/dreams for the future — both in umpiring and in baseball overall?
Dream for the future… debuting in the ABL before I’m 50? 😅 I’d love to be able to work more 3-umpire systems with my fellow QLD female umpires. That was fun at AYWC!
My umpire hat aside, I’m off to Lismore at the end of May to watch my youngest son play in the Australian Junior League Championships. I’m hoping I get accepted to umpire at the Australian Little League Girls Championship and Australian Little League Invitational in July, and then Women’s, Youth Women’s and/or Little League Girls State Titles in December 🙏🏾🤞🏾 I also wouldn’t say no to Futures League and Showcase if the opportunity arose 😄