Australia's future softball stars land in Dallas for WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C

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Yesterday 09:06

Known as the Junior Spirit, Australia’s U-18 women’s softball team, has arrived in Dallas in the United States to compete in the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-ii-u-18-womens-softball-world-cup-group-c/home">WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C</a> from 29 August to 2 September.

This tournament is a <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/wbsc-u-18-womens-softball-world-cup-a-bright-future-for-olympic-softball">significant stepping stone for young athletes</a>, not only as they compete on the international stage, some of them for the first time, but also for the exciting future ahead, which has a WBSC Women's Softball World Cup in store in 2026/2027 and a Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

With softball featuring at the LA28 Olympic Games, the Junior Spirit's performance in Dallas can potentially strengthen the case for the sport’s continued inclusion in the Olympic Games sports programme, especially with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon. These athletes represent the future of Australian softball, and their success here could lay the foundation for a strong showing on home soil in 2032.

Australia have a <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/organisation/wbsc-events/u-18-womens-softball-world-cup">strong tradition is this tournament</a> having placed in every edition since skipping the covid-affected edition in 2021. With five bronze medals to their name, the last of them in 2013, they are the third most successful country behind USA and Japan who have 14 and 13 medals respectively.

“Representing Australia is always a privilege," head coach Leigh Godfrey said. "We strive to uphold the legacy of those who came before us while creating our own culture that will forge a memorable journey for everyone involved in this programme.”

In Dallas, Australia faces a tough challenge in Group C, where they will go up against three of the world’s top 10 teams: World No. 1 USA, No. 5 Canada, and No. 7 Mexico. Also in the group are World No. 15 Philippines and No. 21 Ireland. Only the top two teams will advance to the World Cup Finals in 2025, which will also be held in Dallas.

“We’ve been in our daily training environments, focusing on strength, conditioning, and softball skills,” added Godfrey, who has led the team through an intensive preparation period since March. “Now, we get to enjoy each other’s company, the moments, and the pressure that we are privileged to be in.”

The U-18 programme has been crucial for Softball Australia’s ongoing success, producing many of the current Aussie Spirit players. The coaching and support staff have played a key role in preparing the team for this international competition.

“We have a well-rounded, experienced staff that continues to

learn and get better,” Godfrey said, noting the contributions of staff members

like Andrew Havercroft, Neridah Wearne, and Janell Behrendt.

Godfrey also praised the team’s reserves who trained

alongside the main squad for the past five months.

“A massive shout-out to the reserve members of this team - Abbie, Julia and Maddi - who unfortunately can’t be with us on this trip,” Godfrey said. “This programme is lucky to have you, and we will carry these players with us every time we set foot on the diamond in Texas.”

Australia's future softball stars land in Dallas for WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C

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