News

Aussie Spirit names teams for Women’s World Cup group stage

Published Wed 06 May 2026

May 6, 2026

The Aussie Spirit team has been named for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage, marking a critical milestone in Australia’s campaign toward hosting the World Cup Finals on home soil in 2027.

This announcement comes as the XVIII WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup is set to unfold across three continents in 2026, with group stages in Czechia, Peru and the United States before the global spotlight returns to Queensland for the Finals in April 2027.

Aussie Spirit, Head Coach Kerrie Porter said the team selection is indicative of a broader plan as Australia builds towards the World Cup Finals 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.”

“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.

“We have immense talent across the board, and selection is always a difficult task, but we are aiming to have the chance to see as many of our squad members play at the highest level to prepare ourselves for the ultimate test in April next year.”

Australia will compete in Group A of the World Cup Group Stage, opening in Prague, Czechia, from 16–20 June 2026, alongside Canada, Chinese Taipei, Italy, Czechia, and Cuba. The top teams from each group, plus two wild cards, will advance to the World Cup Finals at Talobilla Park in Redcliffe from 5–11 April 2027, just 45 minutes north of Brisbane.

The confirmed team for the World Cup Qualifier, Prague:

Pippa Adkins (TAS)

Ellen Roberts (NSW)

Taylor Chillingworth (SA)

Chelsea Robinson (SA)

Olivia Elliott (SA)

Jenna Trim (NSW)

Mya Geros (NSW)

Stephanie Trzcinski (SA)

Georgia Hood (SA)

Taylah Tsitsikronis (NSW)

Shannon Keevers (NSW)

Jade Wall (QLD)

Kandra Lamb (NSW)

Shaylan Whatman (NSW)

Kaia Parnaby (NSW)

Tamieka Whitefield (QLD)

The Schedule for the XVIII WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group stages can be found here.

The team for the International Cup in Oklahoma has also been announced. USA Softball will stage the five-day tournament from July 30 to August 3 at Devon Park, the official softball venue for the LA28 Olympic Games. The five-day event will feature teams from six countries including Australia, Japan, USA, Canada, China and America Samoa.

The confirmed team for the International Cup, Oklahoma:

Abbie Bastian (SA)

Chelsea Robinson (SA)

Sarah Beales (VIC)

Maddy Schofield (WA)

Olivia Elliott (SA)

Madi Scott (SA)

Amber Hood (SA)

Kylie Steemers (QLD)

Shannon Keevers (NSW)

Stephanie Trzcinski (SA)

Alyssa Mighell (NSW)