Australia names squad for WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Prague
Australia have named squads for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Prague in Czechia, and the International Cup in Oklahoma, USA, as the Aussie Spirit begin an important stretch leading into the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals on home soil in 2027 and softball’s return to the Olympic programme at LA28.
The current World Cup cycle also carries added importance for Australia with Brisbane set to host the Olympic Games in 2032 - with Baseball/Softball still pending confirmation if it will be included in the sports programme - giving the country a rare opportunity to build towards major international events both at home and abroad over the next decade.
Star pitcher Kaia Parnaby is among the players named for the World Cup Group Prague roster alongside Ellen Roberts, Taylah Tsitsikronis and Jade Wall as Australia prepare for the tournament - which will take place from 16-20 June - against Canada, Chinese Taipei, Italy, hosts Czechia and Cuba.
The top two teams from each group, together with two wild cards, will advance to the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals at Talobilla Park in Redcliffe from 5-11 April 2027.
Australia’s squad for Prague includes Pippa Adkins, Ellen Roberts, Taylor Chillingworth, Chelsea Robinson, Olivia Elliott, Jenna Trim, Mya Geros, Stephanie Trzcinski, Georgia Hood, Taylah Tsitsikronis, Shannon Keevers, Jade Wall, Kandra Lamb, Shaylan Whatman, Kaia Parnaby and Tamieka Whitefield.
Aussie Spirit head coach Kerrie Porter said the selection process forms part of Australia’s broader preparation for the World Cup Finals in Queensland next year.
“Selecting the teams for these two international tournaments has seen many of our players offered the opportunity to play international softball ahead of the 2027 World Cup Finals in Queensland,” Porter said. “The goal between this and other opportunities later in the year is to give ourselves the best chance to observe everyone in the squad fairly and make our decision on the final World Cup team with as much information as possible.”
Softball Australia also confirmed its roster for the International Cup in Oklahoma, which will be played from 30 July to 3 August at Devon Park, the official softball venue for the LA28 Olympic Games. The tournament will feature Australia, Japan, USA, Canada, China and American Samoa.
The squad for Oklahoma includes Abbie Bastian, Chelsea Robinson, Sarah Beales, Maddy Schofield, Olivia Elliott, Madi Scott, Amber Hood, Kylie Steemers, Shannon Keevers, Stephanie Trzcinski, Alyssa Mighell, Shaylan Whatman, Jayme Reddacliff, Tamieka Whitefield, Ellen Roberts and Grace Wrixon.