AWC Maroon Wrap-Up

The Australian Women’s Championships recently concluded, featuring notable performances from players, Lyndsey Campbell, Ashley Van Staden and Britany Wyllie. These athletes demonstrated skill and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. Exploring their personal stories and journeys provides insight into the dedication and passion that drove their success on the diamond.

Q&A WITH ASHLEY VAN STADEN

What position/s did you play during AWC? 
 
At this year’s Australian Women’s Championship, I played third base and pitched
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
My proudest moment as a team is coming third place. The hard work we put in before the tournament at trainings really showed in the outcomes we had. We held ourselves very well against the top teams in Australia, going down 6-5 against Victoria. I feel we bonded as a team, even through some tough situations, and always ensured we had everyone’s backs. We had players from all over Queensland so ensuring we had a proper team connection in the one day we had as a full team training session was essential and I feel we executed quite well.  
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
 A national tournament is harder than a state title as it considerably longer. A Qld state title is usually 2-3 days, whereas a national tournament you can be down there for up to 9 days and play for 7 days straight. Although as an individual you may not be playing every game or full games, the preparation you need to do to ensure your body and mind is ready for the tournament is next level. Qld state titles is also a less competitive, slower styled tournament where you know the players you are going against. Nationals opens your eyes to each state’s top players – including emeralds players – and it shows a whole new level that us as Qld don’t have in our Div 1 competition.  
 
From your AWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
As a team collectively, I feel we can work on jumping the gun early and winning the game from the start instead of firing back at the end. We always had a motto of defensively trying to keep a 0 on the board and getting at least 2 or more offensively each inning. A lot of the games we found ourselves having the innings swapped and instead had to have a big inning to bump ourselves back up. Personally, there is always something I feel I can improve and work on. However, I feel I could work on more patience in the box and finding a pitch I want to hit as well as slowing the game down in a whole. The “pressure” can sometime creep up on you unknowingly and ensuring you have control is very important. 

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
Most fun moment was definitely the vibes on the way to the fields and during the warmups. The music was always going and got everyone pumped before each game. This just made the game a lot easier to play, settling some nerves and it helped us bond as a team more. This energy just carried throughout the whole game, especially on the days where we had rain delays.  

Q&A WITH LYNDSEY CAMPBELL

What position/s did you play during AWC? 
Pitcher, DH & First Base
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
The overall comradery of the team was phenomenal, it is what drove us to fight back in the Bronze Medal game. I was so proud of the entire team during that game.
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
The step up in skill level from State Titles to Nationals is substantial. The expectations are higher, the tactical side comes into play more and the pressure is higher. It takes a lot for every individual to get themselves ready mentally and physically to play at that level. 
 
From your AWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
I think the mental side of the game is huge. Improving our confidence in ourselves and our mates, trusting your own ability,  understanding the game and the role you play in the team is always something that can be improved.
 

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
Just being out there and playing baseball with my pals is the most fun.

Q&A WITH BRITANY WYLLIE

What position/s did you play during AWC? 
 Pitcher
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
Getting through to the Bronze Medal game and winning Queensland’s first medal since 2016. 
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
It’s a completely different environment, the expectations are different, and preparation and recovery is more intense.
 
From your AWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
Build on my skills and strengths so that I can take the field more next year.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
Being able to compete against and see friends that I’ve made from other states and seeing players from other tournaments I’ve played – Barclay Cup – developing and coming up to their states’ Women’s teams.