Few people understand what it means to wear the green and gold quite like Lisa Norrie.

A former Australian Emerald herself, multi-capped head coach of the Queensland Women’s team, and assistant coach to the Australian Emeralds, Norrie has dedicated decades to growing the women’s game.

Later this month, she will return to the Australian Emeralds coaching staff for her fourth Women’s Baseball World Cup campaign as assistant coach, helping guide Australia in Rockford, Illinois.

This time, she’ll do so alongside two Queenslanders she has watched develop through the state’s performance pathway—debutants Molly Paddison and Rio Bradley.

For Norrie, their selection is about far more than two individual success stories.

It reflects the strength of Queensland’s women’s baseball program and the people who have helped shape it.

“It speaks volumes about the strength of Queensland’s pathway,” Norrie said.

“Our program is creating an environment where talented athletes are identified early, challenged and supported to keep improving.

“Seeing two debutants earn Emeralds selection is a credit to the coaches, clubs, families and teammates who have all played a part in their journey.

“It’s a great sign that our program is producing players capable of competing on the international stage.”

Having coached both players throughout their development, Norrie said it wasn’t just their talent that stood out—it was the way they approached the game every day.

“Both Molly and Rio have an outstanding work ethic and a genuine desire to keep learning,” she said.

“They’re coachable, competitive and embrace challenges, which are qualities that set athletes apart.

“They’ve also shown composure under pressure and consistently put the team first.

“Their commitment to improving every time they step onto the field has been really impressive.”

Over recent years, Norrie has watched both players evolve into leaders within Queensland’s program.

“The biggest growth has been in their confidence and consistency,” she said.

“They’ve continued to refine their skills, developed a stronger understanding of the game and learned how to perform in high-pressure situations.

“Just as importantly, they’ve matured as teammates and leaders, setting a great example for others coming through the pathway.”

While their personalities differ, Norrie believes they share the qualities every coach hopes to build a team around.

“Molly and Rio are the ultimate teammates,” she said.

“They’re selfless, resilient and completely invested in the team’s success. They’re the players who do the extra work, support those around them and create a positive environment every day.

“They make the people around them better, and those are invaluable qualities at the international level.”

As someone who has represented Australia as both a player and coach, Norrie knows the significance of earning an Emeralds jersey.

She also knows that Paddison and Bradley won’t be the last Queenslanders to wear it.

“Baseball offers opportunities to represent your state and your country if you’re willing to work hard and stay committed,” she said.

“The pathway is there, and Molly and Rio are great examples of what’s possible.

“They started where every young player starts—playing because they love the game—and through dedication they’ve earned the chance to wear the Australian jersey.”

The opportunities for female baseballers are continuing to grow, with the launch of the Women’s Professional Baseball League in the United States creating a new professional pathway.

“Now, with the WPBL starting in America, young female athletes can dream even bigger,” Norrie said.

“They can see that playing professionally is becoming a reality as well.”

As Norrie prepares for her third World Cup as an Emeralds assistant coach, she does so knowing Queensland’s future is in good hands.

With players like Molly Paddison and Rio Bradley stepping onto the world stage, the next generation has tangible proof that the pathway works.

For Queensland baseball, their selection is more than a proud moment.

It’s a glimpse of what’s still to come.

When the call finally came from Emeralds Head Coach Jason Pospishil, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I was watching a mountain bike race on a Sunday morning when I saw I’d missed a call from Pops,” she said.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I called him back.

“When he told me I made the team, I was shocked. I just kept thanking him.”

Her next call was the one she had imagined making for years.

“I asked if my parents were both there before I told them.

“They both started crying out of pure joy.”

The moment was especially meaningful because no one has invested more in her baseball journey than her family.

“For me, to represent my family means the world,” she said.

“Every time I put on a jersey, no matter what level it is, I’m thankful to my parents because of the sacrifices they’ve made for me.

“They’ve missed out on years of family holidays. Instead, we’ve spent them together at baseball tournaments.”

Paddison says those sacrifices have motivated her every step of the way.

“My biggest influence has to be my parents. They’ve sacrificed so much for me, and I’ve always wanted to do well because of what they’ve given me.”

While family has been her foundation, Queensland’s performance pathway has helped prepare her for the international stage.

“To represent Queensland at an international level is an honour,” she said.

“The coaches have been great. Every one of them has had an impact on my journey, and I’m forever grateful.

“The Queensland Pathways have been absolutely amazing for me, providing some of the best coaching they can and helping me reach my goals.”

Like many elite athletes, Paddison’s journey has required sacrifice.

“The biggest sacrifice I’ve made has been my social life,” she said.

“I’d often miss hanging out with friends to go to training or play on a Saturday night.

“But I knew it would all be worth it one day.”

Now that day has arrived.

Although the reality of becoming an Emerald is still sinking in.

“I have a feeling it’ll hit me either the night before the first game or when I hear the national anthem for the first time.”

As Australia prepares for the Women’s Baseball World Cup, Paddison is eager to embrace every moment of the experience.

“I’m most excited about playing for my country because it’s something I’ve never experienced before. New experiences always make me excited.”

She’s also relishing the chance to test herself against the world’s best.

“The country I’m most looking forward to facing is the USA because I think it’ll be a really good challenge.”

For Paddison, success won’t just be measured by personal performance, saying that she’ll do what she can to help make sure her team is there come next year’s World Cup Finals.

“I hope I can bring positivity to the team in every way possible.”

Having achieved the dream she set for herself as a teenager, Paddison now hopes her journey inspires the next generation of girls to chase theirs.

“My message to young girls playing baseball is: don’t let anyone tell you no,” she said.

“Go pick up that glove or a bat and show them you belong standing on that field too.”

For a player whose journey has been built on family, hard work and belief, pulling on the green and gold is more than an individual achievement.

It’s a tribute to every sacrifice that helped make the dream possible.

The Women’s World Cup will take place from July 22–27. Molly will be joined by fellow Queenslander and Emerald debutant Rio Bradley, along with Emeralds Assistant Coach Lisa Norrie. 

Like many athletes, Bradley has replayed the moment she learned she had achieved her dream countless times.

She was at home in her living room when the call came from Emeralds Head Coach Jason Pospishil.

“I saw Pop’s name pop up and assumed, at best, it was a call telling me I was on the squad and, at worst, him telling me I didn’t make it this year,” she said.

“When he said, ‘You’re going to be an Emerald,’ I think I went into a bit of shock. I honestly probably didn’t give him much of a reaction,” she laughed.

“But on the inside I was freaking out and immediately called my parents to tell them.

“I don’t think it’ll sink in until I’m on the plane.”

Since that phone call, Bradley has thrown herself into preparation, allowing herself to focus on the job at hand and stay grounded.

“I’m training more than I ever have before at the moment and that’s keeping my mind preoccupied” she said about her full week’s schedule.”

When she finally steps onto the field in Rockford, Bradley knows the moment will represent every early morning, every training session and every sacrifice made along the way.

“It means so much more than I think even I can comprehend at the moment,” she said.

“Being able to stand on that field and know that all my hard work has paid off, and standing alongside this team is a dream come true”

Bradley also hopes her journey inspires the next generation of Queensland baseball players chasing similar dreams.

Her advice is simple.

“Be coachable,” she said.

“Take on any advice your coaches give you and apply it when you can. At the end of the day, your coach wants to see you get better for the sake of the team.

“You don’t have to take it on permanently, but be open to trying new things and new ways to improve your game.”

As Australia’s newest Emerald prepares to make her international debut on one of baseball’s biggest stages, her focus remains firmly on contributing however she can. 

Whether that’s on the field or off the field, Bradley knows that she’ll have an important part to play and she is ready to give it her all.

“I want to contribute positively to the team environment in any way I can.”

From dreaming of representing Australia to earning her place among the nation’s best, Bradley’s journey is just beginning.

Now, with the Women’s Baseball World Cup on the horizon, Queensland will be proudly watching as one of its own takes the field in green and gold for the very first time.

The Women’s World Cup will take place from July 22–27. Rio will be joined by fellow Queenslander and Emerald debutant Molly Paddison, along with Emeralds Assistant Coach Lisa Norrie.