The beauty of baseball lies in its essence as a team sport. I have come to adore the fact that I don’t have to bear the weight of the game on my own. As a pitcher, my favourite position, I relish the opportunity to showcase my skills by throwing various pitches and making hitters look foolish. But what truly makes the experience magical is the unwavering support of my teammates. Knowing that they have my back on the field and that we are working together towards victory makes the game less daunting and more enjoyable.

Throughout my baseball journey, I have been fortunate enough to create numerous unforgettable memories. Representing my team at the Nationals for Metro not once, but three times, has been an absolute honour. The sheer exhilaration of hitting a grand slam, the joy of throwing a perfect game, and the sheer pride of winning the girls’ nationals and the club ball championship are moments that will forever be etched in my heart. Additionally, winning the state titles twice, triumphing over our formidable opponents from Gold Coast, has been a source of immense pride and excitement.

One particular moment stands out vividly in my mind. As I stepped onto the mound, the thought of a potential no-hitter or perfect game swirled in my head. With the last batter approaching, I told myself, “Even if he gets on base, remember you already threw a perfect game for 3.6 innings. That’s pretty remarkable.” When he grounded out to third, a rush of jubilation surged through me. I walked back to the dugout, celebrating with my teammates, exchanging fist bumps, and graciously shaking hands with the Brisbane North team. The realisation that I had thrown a perfect game truly sank in when others commended me on such a rare remarkable achievement.

Over the past few years, I have been lucky enough to have some amazing coaches, in both baseball and tennis, who have been more than just sporting role models for me.  Currently, my greatest inspiration is Shohei Ohtani.  His prowess as a successful two-way player, excelling both as a pitcher and a hitter, is awe-inspiring. I greatly admire his ability to perform at the highest level in these two demanding aspects of the game, and I aspire to achieve a similar level of excellence in my own baseball journey.

I must admit, I harbour a few superstitions. Before each game, I meticulously curate a specific playlist, believing that certain songs bring me luck and elevate my performance. In the dugout, I meticulously arrange my gear, ensuring everything is perfectly in place. Additionally, I align two drinks with utmost precision. These rituals help me establish focus and tranquillity before taking the field. Apart from regular warm-up exercises, I find solace in taking a moment to relax, taking three deep breaths, and unleashing my energy onto the field.

When confronted with unexpected events or errors during a game, I remind myself to stay calm and composed. I acknowledge that mistakes are part of the game and redirect my attention towards conquering the next hitter. If I need an extra boost, I may take a brief stroll around the mound, taking two deep breaths to reset my mindset and face the upcoming challenge with renewed determination.

After a performance on the mound or a great game that I’m happy with , I take pleasure in treating myself to a delightful dinner. Guzman y Gomez (GYG) has become a favourite destination for such celebrations. Once back home, I ensure my body is well-rested, allowing me to be ready for the next game.