Australia’s U-18 Women’s Team has arrived in Dallas, USA, ready to compete in the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C from August 29 to September 2. 

Australia faces a formidable challenge in Group C, competing against three of the world’s top 10 countries: World No. 1 USA, No. 5 Canada and No. 7 Mexico. Joining them in this group are World No. 15 Philippines and No. 21 Ireland. The stakes are high, as only the top two teams will advance to the World Cup Finals in 2025, also to be held in Dallas, USA.  

The Junior Spirit are well-prepared and poised for success in this highly competitive group, under the guidance of Head Coach Leigh Godfrey. Reflecting on their preparation, Godfrey shared, “We’ve been in our daily training environments since March, completing strength and conditioning sessions, softball skills sessions, and team camps. This platform has allowed us to build the foundations for the next three weeks. Now we get to enjoy each other’s company, the moments, and the pressure that we are privileged to be in.” 

Godfrey emphasised the team's focus and approach to the upcoming tournament, stating, “Our preparation is solely focused on us and what we can control. Playing internationally is always a fun experience and one that I’m sure will be exciting for our athletes to showcase their skills.” 

The significance of wearing the Australian uniform is not lost on the team. They understand that representing their country is both an honour and a responsibility, a sentiment Godfrey captures well: “Representing Australia is always a privilege and this staff and playing group will do our best to represent those before us, while creating our own culture that will forge a memorable journey for everyone involved in this program.” 

The U-18 program has been a vital pipeline for Softball Australia’s success, with the strong majority of current Aussie Spirit team emerging from this pathway. The strong support from the coaching and support staff has also been instrumental in preparing the team for international competition. 

“We have a really well-rounded, experienced staff that continues to learn and get better,” says Godfrey. “Andrew Havercroft, a former Steeler who has been to a world championship, brings invaluable experience. Neridah Wearne, with her extensive experience on multiple world championship tours, adds tremendous tactical expertise. Our team manager, Janell Behrendt, is arguably one of the most experienced and methodical people I’ve been lucky enough to work with. We’re also fortunate to have Sophia Nimphius as our strength and conditioning coach, someone who is world-renowned in her field. Kaneisha Wiebusch, our physio, has left no stone unturned in ensuring our athletes are ready to go for this tour. Finally, Lyneene Orsini, our battery coach, whose own daughter is in a top 25 NCAA university, brings a unique perspective and expertise to our pitching and catching team.” 

Reflecting on the staff’s contribution, Godfrey adds, “I couldn’t be more proud of the work this staff has already done, and I’m looking forward to working with them all to give our athletes the best chance of individual and collective success.” 

She also expressed her thoughts for the team’s reserves who trained for the past five months alongside the team so that they would be ready to step in if needed: “A massive shout out to the reserve members of this team, who unfortunately can’t be with us on this trip; Abbie, Julia and Maddi. This program is lucky to have you, and we will carry these players with us every time we set foot on the diamond in Texas.” 

The Junior Spirit will kick off their campaign against the Philippines on August 30 at 3:30 am AEST. 

For the full fixture, streaming details, team list, and more about the Junior Spirit, click here.