The Stage is set for this year’s Australian Women’s championships

The stage is set for one of the premier events on the national calendar, the Australian Women’s Baseball Championships, where the country’s top female athletes come together to compete for national glory. For Queensland, it’s more than just a tournament — it’s a chance to showcase growth, resilience, and the exciting future of women’s baseball in the state.

For Queensland team manager Lisa Norrie, the AWC represents the pinnacle of competition. “It’s the tournament where we get to see all the best female players in the country battle it out for a podium spot,” she said. “To be part of that highest level of competition each year is something special.”

A Program Built on Passion and Progress

Queensland enters this year’s championships with a youthful squad and a clear vision. While the team may be one of the youngest in the competition, expectations remain high.

“Our goal is to be playing off for a medal,” Norrie explained. “If we can achieve that with such a young group, it sets up an incredibly bright future for Queensland over the next few years.”

That optimism is grounded in experience. Having been involved in the Queensland women’s program for 25 years — first as a player, then as a coach, and now as a manager — Norrie has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the game.

“I love being part of this program and seeing it grow each year. The passion these girls have is next level. We keep getting better every year.”

Players to Watch

While Queensland prides itself on team-first baseball, there are several standout players fans should keep an eye on this tournament. Names like Charlotte Stokes, Rio Bradley, Ruby Orchard, and Molly Paddison are expected to make an impact, but Norrie is quick to point out the depth across the entire squad.

“There are plenty of players in this group who can step up. That’s one of our biggest strengths.”

A Player’s Perspective: Kya Foxwell

For long-time Queensland representative Kya Foxwell, the AWC is an opportunity to test herself and her team against the very best in the country.

“I’m looking forward to nationals this year as I’m excited to see how my team will compete,” Foxwell said. “We have such a talented bunch of women and I’m excited to see how we go against other very talented teams.”

Foxwell’s journey through the Queensland program spans nearly a decade. “I’ve been playing for Queensland since I was 13 and I’m now 22, so it’s been nine years in the program,” she shared — a testament to both her commitment and the strength of the pathway.

Her preparation for the championships reflects the dedication required to perform at the highest level.
“I’m training five days a week, in the gym three to four days, and playing twice a week across Division 1 women’s and Division 1/2 men’s,” she said. “Recovery is a huge priority for me as well — I want to reduce injuries with the amount of training and games I’m playing.”

Building Bonds and Belief

Foxwell believes one of Queensland’s biggest strengths this year lies in its team culture.

“Although there are a lot of familiar faces, there are also some new ones,” she said. “With that comes new bonds, and I think we’ve all been doing really well building those connections. I believe this year is going to be a really good one for us — we have a lot of talent.”

Growth of the Game in Queensland

Since its early days, women’s baseball in Queensland has grown significantly. What was once a developing program is now a thriving pathway, with increasing participation and depth at every level.

“We’re now selecting squads of over 40 players each year, which shows just how much the game has grown,” Norrie said. “The depth we have is huge, and with the youth coming through and the work we’re doing in the off-season, the future is very bright.”

Eyes on the Future

While the immediate focus is on competing at this year’s AWC, there’s a strong sense that this Queensland team is building toward something bigger.

The Australian Women’s Championships will be played in parallel to the Australian Youth Women’s Championships, a tournament where many of the current Queensland women’s team made their mark.

Queensland’s Youth Women’s team have been strong competitors in recent years and a regular contender for the top spot. 

Coach Neal Ragau is confident that his young squad are once again up for the challenge taking solace in a well balanced squad, despite six of the 2025 team aging out of this year’s competition.

With a talented young core, increasing depth, and a culture driven by passion and commitment, Queensland is positioning itself as a serious contender — not just now, but for years to come.