Baseball WA is pleased to announce the expansion of the Hester Women’s Elite Series for the 2026/27 season, with Kelmscott Bulldogs and a new UWA Magpies–Rockingham Rams combined team joining the competition.
The expansion will see the Series grow from four to six teams, building on the continued development of Baseball WA’s premier women’s club competition and creating more opportunities for players to compete at an elite level.
Launched in 2024 with Braves Baseball Club, Carine Cats, Kalamunda Rangers and Wanneroo Giants, the Women’s Elite Series was established to showcase WA’s leading female players while strengthening the pathway for emerging talent.
The expansion follows the recent announcement of Perth-based baseball glove brand Hester Sports Brand as Naming Rights Partner, supporting the continued growth and visibility of women’s baseball in Western Australia.
Building the Pathway from U16 Girls to Elite Baseball
A key focus of the expansion is ensuring growth at the elite level is supported by strong development opportunities for younger female players.
To enter a team in the Hester Women’s Elite Series, clubs must operate an active U16 Girls program or have a working agreement with a club that does, creating a clear connection between junior girls baseball and the state’s premier women’s competition.
For 2026/27, Kelmscott will align with Gosnells Hawks Baseball Club, which currently operates an U16 Girls program but does not have a senior women’s team.
Meanwhile, UWA Magpies and Rockingham Rams will combine their playing groups to create the depth required to enter an Elite Series team, while providing another opportunity for developing players to experience a higher level of competition.
Women’s League Champions Step Up
For reigning Women’s League champions Kelmscott, entry into the Elite Series represents another milestone in the development of a women’s program eight years in the making.
Kelmscott President Michael Verbunt said the opportunity was a reflection of the work that had gone into building the program.
“We’re incredibly excited to see our Women’s League champion girls step up into the Hester Women’s Elite Series. This has been an eight-year journey for our women’s program, with four members of our inaugural team now part of our first Elite side, and the women have long been drivers of the standards and culture at Kelmscott.”
“We expect them to compete strongly and perhaps surprise a few of the established teams. There’s plenty of talent and history in the group, including two-time reigning Women’s League MVP Em Blowers, sisters Georgia and Millar Butler — Georgia a former state representative and Millar fresh from winning gold at the Australian Women’s Youth Championships — while Hannah and Em Blowers will also become the first married couple to play Elite together!”
UWA and Rockingham Join Forces
The second addition brings UWA and Rockingham together, creating opportunities for players at different stages of their baseball journey to compete in the Elite Series.
UWA President Thom Nelligan said the partnership allows both clubs to provide opportunities that have not always been available to female players.
“It’s great to have UWA Magpies and Rockingham Rams to be working together to be able to provide this opportunity to these women. For the junior players involved to gain valuable experience to help set them up on their baseball journey that is just beginning. For the senior players who unfortunately didn’t have this sort of opportunity when they started playing baseball, still getting to showcase their skills in an elite competition and help with the development of the next generation.”
Rockingham President Vicki Pinnell said the Rams were equally excited about what the collaboration could provide for their players.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our girls to take the next step in their baseball journey, learning from more experienced players, developing their skills and, most importantly, getting more time out on the diamond.”
“We’re looking forward to a great season together and can’t wait to see what this exciting new partnership brings.”
Six Teams Set for 2026/27
The expanded Hester Women’s Elite Series will feature:
- Braves Baseball Club
- Carine Cats
- Kalamunda Rangers
- Wanneroo Giants (2-time Champions)
- Kelmscott Bulldogs
- UWA Magpies / Rockingham Rams
The growth to six teams marks the next step for a competition that began with four clubs just two seasons ago, creating more elite playing opportunities while strengthening the connection between U16 Girls baseball, senior women’s programs and high-performance pathways across WA.
Further details on the 2026/27 Hester Women’s Elite Series schedule will be announced ahead of the new season.