We are excited to announce today the Junior Spirit team selected to represent Australia for the Oceania Qualifier for the II WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for players to represent Australia and will be the first time that many in the squad have had the chance. The team are set to play against New Zealand and American Samoa in the tournament, taking place in Pago Pago, American Samoa from November 5-7, 2023. 

The WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup is now a three-stage process, involving a Continental Qualifier in 2023, a group stage event in 2024, with top teams from the group stage progressing to the World Cup Finals in 2025. Athletes who turn 18 in each year are eligible for the tournament that takes place in that calendar year.   

“The competition dates and venue were announced quite recently, and it is a difficult time of the year for U-18 players given that it clashes with the end of the school year. So, athletes from across the whole Talent Development Squad were given the opportunity to put their name forward for selection.” said National Pathways Manager Clare Humberstone.  

“International competition is a great developmental opportunity for young players and will give the team the chance to learn more about what it takes to compete against other countries and to be coached in the national team environment.” 

Amanda Fairley has earned her chance to be Head Coach for the tour, after two consecutive Canada Cup appointments as an Assistant Coach. The players in this team will also have a unique chance to be coached by Aussie Spirit and Steelers Head Coach, Laing Harrow. Harrow will primarily be attending the tour as head coach of the Aussie Steelers Men's National Team for their own qualifier tournament in American Samoa but is arriving early to perform the role of Assistant Coach for the U-18 women’s team. Lyneene Orsini has been selected as the battery coach for the team.  

The tournament will consist of a double round-robin format, with the team playing 6 games in 3 days. The top two teams at the conclusion of the double round-robin will progress to the WBSC Softball World Cup - Group Stage in 2024.  

Follow their journey using the Softball Australia Facebook Page and stay tuned for updates as they strive for World Cup qualification. 

Team List  

Coaches:  

Head Coach: Amanda Fairley
Assistant Coach: Laing Harrow
Battery Coach: Lyneene Orsini
Physiotherapist: Thomas Rossiter