Baseball WA is seeking Expressions of Interest from coaches interested in joining the WA U16 and U18 State Team programs for the 2027 Australian Youth Championships (AYC), as preparations continue for next year’s national campaigns.
The callout comes as Baseball WA confirms the return of Kurt Russell and Aaron Ottoway as head coaches, providing continuity across the two programs as WA looks to build on recent national championship campaigns.
Coaches interested in contributing to either program are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest as Baseball WA works to finalise the wider coaching staffs for 2027.
Expressions of Interest Open
Baseball WA is looking for coaches who can contribute to the development and performance of WA’s emerging athletes and work collaboratively within the State Team environment.
Interested coaches are asked to submit a brief outline of their coaching pedagogy and interest in being involved with the U16 or U18 program.
Expressions of Interest close Friday 12 September 2026 and should be sent to hp@baseballwa.asn.au.
Russell Returns to Lead U18 Team
Kurt Russell will return as head coach of the WA U18 State Team following another strong showing at the 2026 Australian Youth Championships.
WA has now claimed back-to-back U18 silver medals in 2025 and 2026, establishing itself among the leading programs nationally and setting up another opportunity to challenge for the title in 2027.
Russell stepped into the U18 head coaching role ahead of the 2026 campaign after previously leading WA at U16 level. His broader experience includes work within Baseball WA’s High Performance program, Women’s program, coaching with the Perth Heat and experience with national junior programs and in the United States.
With consecutive silver medals behind the program, the focus now turns to taking the next step and pursuing WA’s first U18 national championship since 2020.
Ottoway Back at the Helm of U16s
Aaron Ottoway will also return to lead the WA U16 State Team after his first campaign as head coach at the 2026 AYC, where WA finished sixth.
Ottoway has extensive experience across WA’s junior pathways, having previously worked with the U16, U18, U23 and State Schoolboys programs, alongside roles within Baseball WA’s Pathways and High Performance programs. His coaching background also spans club and charter baseball, while his playing career included time with the Perth Heat.
The 2027 campaign presents another opportunity to continue developing the next generation of WA talent and build on the foundations established within the program.
With Russell and Ottoway confirmed, Baseball WA is now looking to surround both programs with coaches who can bring their own expertise, perspectives and commitment to athlete development.
Interested in joining the 2027 WA State Team coaching staff?
Send a brief outline of your coaching pedagogy to hp@baseballwa.asn.au by Friday 12 September 2026 to be considered.