For Molly Paddison, becoming an Australian Emerald isn’t just the fulfilment of a personal dream.
It’s a moment that belongs to her family.
Later this month, the Queenslander will make her debut for Australia at the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Rockford, Illinois, after first hearing about the opportunity to represent her country.
The dream began when she was just 14 years old.
“That was when I first discovered there was a national team for women’s baseball,” Paddison said.
“Playing for Australia became my goal from that moment.”
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.