For Queensland’s Rio Bradley, wearing the green and gold has always been the dream.
Later this month, that dream becomes reality when the Queensland product makes her debut for the Australian Emeralds at the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Rockford, Illinois.
It’s the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and a genuine love for the game—but for Bradley, representing Australia is about much more than the uniform.
“I’ve always wanted to play for Australia in my sport, so that has definitely been a goal for a while,” Bradley said.
“But I play mostly for the people I have met along the way.
I’ve met some of my best friends playing baseball and that naturally makes you want to play well for them.
“I also like the challenge that playing at higher levels brings and playing under pressure. I like pushing myself to see how I perform in that environment and always striving for improvement.”
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.