- Getting to Know You
How old are you?
19
Was this your first time competing at the Australian Women’s Championships?
My first year competing at AWC was in 2023, I took a break in 2024, so this would be my second year playing in this championship.
What position(s) did you play during the tournament?
Short stop (And lead off hitter I guess)
How did it feel representing Queensland at such a big national event?
Wearing the maroon and knowing I was part of something bigger than myself filled me with pride every time I stepped onto the field. It came with pressure, of course, but more than anything, it gave me a sense of purpose, drive, and belonging. Being surrounded by such a supportive and talented group made the experience even more unforgettable.
What were you most excited about leading up to the Championships?
I was excited to be able to showcase my hard work against quality competition, and carry the hard work, passion and pride of everyone who has supported me onto the field with me.
- Team Dynamics
What was it like being part of the Queensland team with your teammates?
Playing at a National Tournament is always going to be daunting, but it is made that much more manageable when you’ve got teammates you know you can rely on and face challenges with. As they say baseball is a game of failure, and I’m not sure there’s anyone else I’d rather go through those moments with then the girls on this team.
How do you think the Queensland team performed overall during the tournament?
I think we all surprised ourselves in the end with the quality of baseball we were capable of. For example the Victoria and Western Australia games were hard ones to forget. Everyone on the team played their role to perfection, the atmosphere in the dug-out was electric, truly one of those moments you look back on that fuel the hunger for next year.
How would you describe the team spirit and support throughout the Championships?
I am so grateful for the support I received throughout the championship. The team spirit made the highs feel even higher, and softened the lows. There were certainly low moments for me, but my teammates always seemed to make me smile and laugh, even when it was the last thing I wanted to do. Knowing I had a foundation of support and love to fall back on gave me the confidence to play without fear.
What’s your favourite fun moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball-related)?
We had a few game-nights as a team which even the coaching staff joined in on. Those small, silly, unplanned moments – you realise that that’s the whole point.
- Personal Performance
What was your proudest moment, either individually or as part of the team, during the Championships?
My proudest moment was hitting my first double of the tournament. The whole team had a double celebration planned, and although it took a few games to finally get it, my teammates all being able to celebrate the moment with me made it that much more special. Also receiving the spirit of the game award!
How is playing in a national tournament different from competing in the Queensland State Titles?
Both are a great privilege, although the atmosphere at Nationals feels bigger in every way, and you can truly feel the shift as soon as you step onto the field. The anticipation, the nerves, excitement, and pride, all unmatched.
How do you feel about your performance in your position during the tournament?
I was extremely nervous playing short stop, I felt as though I had massive shoes to fill. But having one of the best infielders in Shirori next to me at third every game definitely made a huge difference. I remember asking her once how it seems she never makes an error, she responded with “Oh I do, I just am not scared of making mistakes”. Which gave me a lot of confidence. I was definitely far from flawless, but it’s easy for these errors to make me forget the many good plays and moments of success.
- Challenges and Growth
From your AWC experience, what do you think you could work on as an individual or as part of the team?
We had a few games where we started off incredibly well, putting 3-5 runs on in the first innings, although this was often followed by a few scoreless innings which allowed the momentum to shift. As a team, we reflected on how important it is to stay consistent and keep that early energy going throughout the entire game. If we can do that, we’ll give ourselves the best chance to stay competitive in every game and become a very hard team to beat.
What was the biggest challenge you faced playing in such a competitive environment, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced was managing my nerves and not letting one mistake affect the rest of my performance. In such a competitive environment, every play feels important, and it’s easy to let an error shake your confidence. I had an amazing team around me that helped me bounce back and feel as though I wasn’t going through it alone.
- Reflections and Future Goals
What would you say to other players about the experience of playing for Queensland at the Australian Women’s Championships?
Playing for Queensland is so much more than just playing baseball. It’s the warm feeling of pride every time you put on the jersey, the unforgettable highs, the tough lows, and the moments that shape you as both a player and a person. But what truly makes it worthwhile is everything off the field, the laughs, the bonding, the friendships, and the memories you carry with you long after the final game.
How has competing at the Australian Women’s Championships shaped your future goals for baseball?
Competing at the AWC opened my eyes to the level of talent and dedication it takes to play at the top. Playing against some of the best in the country made me realise how much I want to be one of them; a standout player. It’s motivated me to work harder, and keep pushing myself, because now I’ve seen what’s possible, and I want to be part of that.
