2023 Joyce Lester Shield - Under 23 Women

A note from the CEO of Softball Australia

On behalf of Softball Australia, I’d like to welcome you to the Under-23 Women’s National Softball Championship here at West Beach, in what is sure to be an exciting few days. 

This week, athletes will compete for The Joyce Lester Shield, one of the most decorated players in Australian softball history, having represented Australia at five World Championships between 1978 and 1994, and winning bronze medals at the World Championship in 1994 and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. 

Since first being held in 2004, the Under-23 National Championship has proven itself to be an important stepping-stone for players on the pathway towards open age representation, even more so with the Gilley's Shield around the corner at the same venue in early January. 

2023 is going to be a big year in Australian Women's softball! The Women will be competing in the Canada Cup and the World Championships, and with the recent release of the two-squad concept, this week is an opportunity for players to catch the attention of selectors and put themselves in contention for those tours. 

On the diamond, last year’s finalists Queensland and NSW should feature prominently, having won the last six Championships in this age group between them. But South Australia have home field advantage and a Gilley’s Shield winning program, and Victoria and Western Australia have also assembled very competitive squads. 

With so much to play for, expect every game to be tightly contested. 

Finally, to all our players, coaches, volunteers, staff from the Member States across the country and to our hosts Softball SA, thank you for your hard work and dedication in making this week happen. 

Best of luck to all, and I look forward to seeing who hoists the Joyce Lester Shield at the end of the tournament. 

Rosie Williams OBE

Chief Executive Officer, Softball Australia 

On behalf of Softball SA, it is my duty and pleasure to extend a warm welcome to the players, supporters, and officials to the opening event of the 2023 Australian National Softball Championships.

Softball SA acknowledges and we pay our respects to the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we will be conducting this event. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of the Kaurna people to country and we respect and value their past, present and ongoing connection to the land and cultural beliefs.

To all our visitors from interstate and around SA, I extend a warm welcome, and I trust your stay in the Adelaide is an enjoyable one.

This will be the second time we have hosted the Joyce Lester Shield and we very much look forward to playing host.

A tournament such as this requires tremendous commitment and dedication by all the staff and volunteers involved, and I’d like to express a special thankyou to the SA softball community, umpires, statisticians and championship officials for selflessly giving up your time for this event.

To all the team support staff, and the team’s supporters, I am very grateful you choose to give us your time, especially during these uncertain times, and appreciate all you have sacrificed to be here.

On behalf of Softball SA, I wish the best of luck to all the competing teams. I trust everyone enjoys a big finish to an exciting month of softball.

James Wilson
Chairman, Softball South Australia

Ticket Pricing

Tickets available exclusively at West Beach on the day of the event.

Venue Map

Click on map to expand.

Officials

Officials

Officials

Officials

Officials

Officials

Officials

Event Officials

Umpires

Statisticians

Click here to view Softball South Australia Contacts.

Barratt Reserve, West Beach Road, West Beach, SA, 5024
admin@softballsa.com.au
08 8353 6766

In addition to Softball Australia’s values and general Code of Conduct, as a spectator involved with Softball Australia, a Member State or an affiliated association or club activity must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during that activity:

1. Applaud good performance and efforts from all players and teams. Congratulate all players on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
2. Respect the decisions of officials and coaches and teach young people to do the same.
3. Never ridicule or scold a young player for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
4. Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other spectators, coaches, officials or players.
5. Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
6. Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
7. Do not use violence, harassment or abuse in any form (ie do not use foul language, sledge or harass players, coaches, umpires, officials or other spectators).
8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.