Queensland Crocs Wrap: Hard Work and Heart Exemplifies the Crocs Spirit at the 2025 Barclay Cup

 October 2025

The Barclay Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of women’s baseball, held in honour of trailblazer Jacinda Barclay—and once again showcased the best of our sport: community, courage, and connection. For the Queensland Crocs, Adelaide was a week-long masterclass in resilience and team spirit that will echo well beyond the final out. In the weeks leading up, the squad put in the work together: early starts, extra reps, and shared standards that quietly stitched the group into one team. By the time they jetted off on 27 September, there was a real sense of purpose in the air—bags packed, bats taped, and a collective promise to represent Queensland with pride.

The learning didn’t stop when the games did. The team were eager to soak up knowledge and guidance from their coaching staff, in particular, assistant coaches Bella & Molly – who along with being exemplary role models are distinguished players in their own right within the Queensland program. Together they got hands-on with fresh methods—defensive footwork progressions, plan-ahead hitting routines, and the kind of small technical tweaks that make a big difference. They also leaned on tools from their pre-tournament sports psychology session—breathing cues, reset routines, constructive self-talk—and turned them into everyday habits, not just game-day tricks. Those mindset cues became anchors in tight spots and a shared language that strengthened team culture. As Assistant Coach Bella Pickford put it,

“They leaned into learning—every drill, every talk, every challenge. Their willingness to try new things and back their teammates made the biggest difference. They’ll take these tools into club ball and come back even better.”

– Bella Pickford, Assistant Coach

Ask the players what they’ll remember, and you’ll hear about the friendships, the shared laughter that forged new bonds, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger than just the result on a scoreboard. Many said they’d encourage any young female player in Queensland to get involved next year—because the pathway is real, the community is welcoming, and the growth (on and off the diamond) is undeniable.

To everyone who made the campaign possible—players, parents and families, and the coaching/support team of Head Coach Noel Tate, Assistant Coaches Bella Pickford and Molly Donald, and Team Executive Officer Maureen Lessmann—thank you. Your time, energy, and care brought the best out of this group. 

Baseball Queensland is incredibly proud of how the Queensland Crocs represented the state: with integrity, energy, and unity. 2025’s edition of Barclay Cup was a brilliant showpiece for women’s baseball, and the momentum is only building from here. We’re excited to see how this group grows from the experience and carries their learnings into the next challenge, together.

Go Crocs!