Softball Australia Announces the Resignation of National Umpire in Chief – Operations, Kyira Cox OAM

Softball Australia wishes to acknowledge the resignation of Kyira Cox from her role as National Umpire in Chief - Operations and extends its deepest gratitude for her years of dedication and service to the sport. After 13 years, Kyira will conclude her role at the end of the 2025 National Championship events.

Kyira has been a pillar of the umpiring community, bringing expertise, passion, and leadership to the game. As an Australian National Level 8 Umpire (#157) and WBSC Certified Umpire (#1296), Kyira's contributions to the sport have been recognised at both national and international levels. In 2024, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her outstanding contributions to softball.

Kyira began her tenure with Softball Australia’s National Umpire Program in 2011 as a Sub-Committee staff member and then took on the role of National Umpire in Chief - Operations in 2017. Her exceptional efforts were recognised with the Softball Australia “Vivienne Triplett” Umpire of the Year award in both 2016 and 2021.

On the international stage, Kyira’s performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics solidified her reputation as one of the sport’s top umpires in the world. She was honoured with the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Umpire of the Year award twice, in 2018 and 2021, the latter following her appointment as the plate umpire for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Gold Medal Game, Australia’s first and only umpire to ever be appointed this honour. Kyira has also officiated multiple WBSC World Cups, including selection for the 2022 Open Men’s World Cup in Auckland, demonstrating her ability to umpire at the highest level in both the Women’s and Men’s games.

Beyond her umpiring achievements, Kyira has been a dedicated mentor and ambassador for the Officiating Collective, supporting the development of umpires at all levels including local, State and National. Her leadership within Softball Australia saw her manage umpire program administration, national and international events, championship assignments, logistics, databases, umpire codes, social media updates, and merchandise, all while continuing to officiate matches herself.

Softball Australia sincerely thanks Kyira for her unwavering commitment and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. We wish her the very best as she embarks on the next chapter of her career and family life. While she steps away from her official role, we look forward to seeing her continue to be an influential figure in the sport and around the diamonds at tournaments to come.

Details on the National Umpire in Chief - Operations role will be made available in the coming weeks.