Reggie Farley named Australia's head coach for WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup

Softball Australia announced that Amanda Reggie Fairley, the current Head Coach of the Australian U-16 programme, will lead the Australian U-15 team at the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025, which is due to take place in Italy from June 27 to July 5.

"Having successfully run the U-16 programme throughout 2024, coach Fairley will continue her impactful leadership into the forthcoming year. Her expertise in developing young athletes and fostering their growth makes her the perfect choice for this important role," stated Softball Australia in a release.

"I am both excited and deeply committed to helping these young athletes reach their fullest potential," commented Farley. "This tournament is a huge opportunity for them to showcase their skills on the global stage and learn, grow, and evolve as athletes and individuals."

The selection process for the U-15 Women's Softball Australian national team started during the U-14 Girls Regionals, January 7-12, in Waverley, Victoria and continued during the U-16 Girls Championships, January 14-19, in Mirrabooka, Western Australia.

Fairley added: "Our plan for the months leading up to the World Cup focuses on enhancing tactical understanding, player development, team cohesion, and physical and mental growth. We know there is a lot of hard work ahead of the World Cup in June, but I am confident that with the dedication and effort these athletes have already shown competing in our National Championships, we will be ready. Together, we will overcome challenges, push our limits, and make the most of this incredible opportunity."

"The WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup in Italy offers an inspiring backdrop for our athletes and promises to be an unforgettable experience. We anticipate that this event will further ignite the passion for softball among young players across Australia, inspiring the next generation of champions," added Softball Australia on a final note.

The WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025 in Italy will be the second edition of the tournament. Japan hosted the inaugural WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup in 2023. The United States beat Puerto Rico in the final to claim the title.

World No. 7 Italy and No. 8 Czechia became the first teams to qualify for the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025. Czechia won the European Championship 2024, and Italy was the runner-up. No. 13 Spain, the third-place finisher, received a Wild Card and will be the third European team to compete in Bollate and Caronno Pertusella.

Oceania has two spots, which WBSC Oceania awarded to No. 10 Australia and No. 64 American Samoa.

The WBSC Americas Qualifier will take place in Acapulco, Mexico from March 20 to 29 to qualify four teams.

Two more teams will qualify through the WBSC Asia qualifier, taking place from March 26 to 30 in Puli (TPE).

One team from Africa will be the 12th participant in the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025.