Fresh off winning Gold at the 2026 Australian Youth Women’s Baseball Championship, Western Australia’s Youth Women’s State Team had the opportunity to celebrate their success with United States Chargée d’Affaires Erika Olson during a special meet and greet held on the South Perth Foreshore.
The event brought together players, coaches, families and Baseball WA representatives, with Ms. Olson spending time learning about the athletes’ baseball journeys and discussing future opportunities for women in sport.
The visit comes following a historic championship campaign that saw Western Australia claim its first Youth Women’s national title since 2016, completing the tournament undefeated.
Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale said the opportunity was a fitting recognition of the team’s achievement.
“Our athletes have worked incredibly hard to become national champions, and it was wonderful to see them recognised for their success,” Dale said.
“Baseball has long been a sport that connects Australia and the United States, and we are grateful to Erika for taking the time to meet our players, coaches and families and show her support for women in sport.”
Youth Women’s player Aleigha Auld said the experience highlighted the growing opportunities available for female baseball players.
“Meeting the Chargée d’Affaires was really cool, she’s so special,” Auld said.
“Going into college, there are a lot more opportunities now for women in sport, and especially in baseball with the [Women’s Professional Baseball League] coming out this year. It’s awesome.”
Fellow championship player Lily Duckworth said Ms. Olson’s message extended beyond baseball.
“She told us a stat about CEOs – that around 90% of women CEOs in any company played or pursued a sport when they were younger,” Duckworth said.
“So she encouraged us to make sure we pursue a sport, because it can lead to good opportunities in the future and help build skills that come from sport.”
The event celebrated not only the team’s national championship success, but also the continued growth of women’s baseball in Western Australia and the opportunities available for the next generation of female athletes.
