Softball Australia bids a fond farewell to two of its distinguished players, Clare Warwick and Stacey McManus, as they officially announce their retirement from international softball.  

Both players have been stalwarts of the Aussie Spirit, playing pivotal roles in the success and growth of the sport both in Australia and internationally. Warwick and McManus were key members of the Australian squads that won bronze medals at the 2012 and 2014 World Championships, making significant contributions to the team’s achievements on the world stage. 

Clare Warwick – Cap No. 238 

Clare Warwick, the current captain of the Aussie Spirit, has had an illustrious career that has left an enduring mark on Australian softball. Warwick made her international debut in 2005 and quickly established herself as a formidable infielder, known for her exceptional defensive skills and consistent batting performance. 

Clare Warwick honed her skills at the University of Hawaii, where she played 230 games and was frequently recognized for her academic excellence. She also spent three seasons playing in the Italian Softball League with the Baseball/Softball Club Legnano. In recognition of her contributions to the sport, she received the 2011 Sports Achievement Award for Softball from the Australian Institute of Sport. 

Over her 19-year international career, Warwick earned 275 caps, representing Australia in seven World Championships and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Warwick's performances on the world stage were nothing short of outstanding, with 58 games played across these major tournaments, during which she made 153 plays with just three errors—an extraordinary testament to her skill and consistency. 

As a leader, she was instrumental in guiding the team since taking over the captaincy in 2022, mentoring younger players and helped shape the future of Australian Softball. Her calm demeanour, strategic mind, and unwavering commitment have earned her the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. 

Warwick expressed her gratitude to the national program, saying “Not enough words to describe the gratefulness to all involved in the Aussie Spirit program and the broader softball community over the years. It has been a blessing to meet and work with amazing players, coaches, scorers, managers, volunteers, supporters, admin staff and other professionals at all levels of the game and throughout different stages of my career.”  

Warwick continued, “Each has contributed to my softball journey with the Aussie Spirit program and contributed to the person I am now on the other side of it. To each of these people, you know who you are, a huge thank you. I am also grateful for the community back home in ACT as well as the Diamonds and Boomerangs Softball Club.” 

“I would not have been able to pursue the fantastic opportunities that Softball Australia provided me to play international ball for so long without the support of my family. Thanks for the unwavering support, early gym mornings, and late dinner preps as a kid after training, the financial support, guidance, and encouragement through it all. I absolutely could not have done any of this without you.” 

Stacey McManus – Cap No. 262 

Stacey McManus, known for her sound fielding and consistent hitting, also brings her remarkable international career to a close. McManus, who debuted for the Aussie Spirit in 2011, quickly became a key player in the infield. Her ability to cover ground, combined with her strong arm, made her one of the most reliable defenders in the game. 

A key figure in the NSW state teams, Stacey McManus earned a Softball scholarship through the Australian Institute of Sport after completing high school, solidifying her place as a standout athlete. McManus went on to play professionally in the USA, spending three years competing with the Chicago Bandits. 

With 182 international appearances, McManus has been a cornerstone of the Aussie Spirit and an inspiration to many young players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport, representing Australia at six World Championships and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  

McManus reflected on her time with the Spirit, saying; “Being a part of the Aussie Spirit has allowed me to play with and against the best in the world, all over the world. I am forever grateful for my teammates for their support over the years, particularly those I have enjoyed this journey with from the start.” 

“There are so many people who have helped me throughout my time in the Aussie Spirit. Of course, my family for their unconditional support and my close teammates for pushing me in every session, but I would also like to make a special mention to Kerrie Porter who has coached me closely over the past 20 years, believing in me and pushing me to be the player I am today.” 

Both Warwick and McManus leave behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and dedication to the sport of softball. Their contributions to the Aussie Spirit have been invaluable, and their absence will be deeply felt by their teammates, coaches, and the broader softball community. The entire Australian softball community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Clare Warwick and Stacey McManus for their outstanding service and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours.