At the conclusion of the 2026 Under 16 National Championships today at the Mirrabooka Softball Complex and in front of her friends and family, Leigh Godfrey OLY was formally inducted in the Softball Australia Hall of Fame.

Leigh is recognised for her outstanding contribution to Australian softball and her distinguished career representing, the Australian Women’s Softball team, the Aussie Spirit at the highest international level.Leigh was the 244^th player to represent the Australian Women’s team.

An accomplished outfielder, Leigh represented Australia from 2008 to 2021, earning 184 international caps through sustained excellence, consistency, and professionalism. Renowned for her defensive reliability, athleticism, and competitive composure, she was a trusted presence in the outfield across more than a decade of elite competition.

Leigh’s international career reached its pinnacle with selection at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, reflecting her standing as one of Australia’s premier players of her era. She also represented Australia at four World Championships (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2018), contributing to the team’s performance on the world stage over multiple cycles.

Her longevity, adaptability, and commitment to high-performance standards exemplify the values of Aussie Spirit. Leigh Godfrey’s impact extends beyond her on-field achievements, leaving a lasting legacy within the sport and serving as a benchmark for future generations of Australian softballers.

Leigh is universally regarded as an elite competitor and consummate professional, defined by relentless work ethic, exceptional softball IQ, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Teammates and opponents alike admired her commanding on-field presence, resilience under pressure, and ability to lift performance standards through leadership, confidence, and competitive fire.

Beyond her playing achievements, Leigh is celebrated as a loyal teammate, respected leader, and role model whose impact continues through mentorship, coaching, and giving back to the sport.

Former teammates and coaches had this to say about Leigh:

Chelsea Forkin OLY –

Godfrey, a massive congratulations on your Softball Australia hall of fame induction. It was such an honour and privilege to be your teammate for over a decade, from where it all started with Melville T Ball Club, to the mighty WA Flames and with the Aussie Spirit. I always admired how you went about it, you were a true professional, a fierce competitor and a loyal teammate who played the game the right way. We could always rely on you to come through in tough situations, you had such a strong work ethic, you had all the tools, physically and mentally. An amazing player but an even better friend. I am so proud of how you are now giving back to the younger generation and leading the way for young female coaches in Australia. Keep getting after it mate. 

Belinda White OLY –

I have played against Godfrey since U19’s and right up to being her team mate at the Olympics, she always had a persona, this confidence, this presence on the field, like she was unbeatable. No one was going to get her out and that she could catch any ball in the outfield. As a catcher, I could have Godfrey at 0-2 count, swing at everything and somehow, she would manage to find a gap. Her body language and the way she made herself seem so tall. I always admired her confidence and presence every game.

Congratulations on your Hall of Fame induction Leigh.

Kaia Parnaby OLY –

Congratulations on your induction to the Softball Australia Hall of Fame! I was honoured to play by your side from our 1st world championship - young, determined and probably unaware of how far this game would take us. From those early days until the Tokyo Olympics, I was privileged to see the impact you have had on our team and sport through resilience, sacrifice, leadership and unwavering love for the game and also your teammates and the people around you.

You were one of those players we loved having on our team but hated playing against when you were representing WA. The number of pitches you battled, the grit and determination you were world class and one of those leadoff hitters I was always happy to put behind me.

This game has given us so much, and I’m so proud to be your friend, congratulations on this amazing achievement I cannot wait to celebrate you in person soon!

Laing Harrow, former Aussie Spirit Head Coach –

Leigh’s commitment to excellence was second to none. She possessed an exceptional softball IQ, with an uncanny ability to read defenses and dominate offensively. Leigh drove opposing teams crazy with her combination of speed and skill—dropping a perfectly placed bunt, slapping balls past a cheating defense, or delivering power hits when they least expected it.

She brought an intense competitive attitude to everything she did, both on and off the field. Leigh hated losing, and that fire helped bring out the very best in the Aussie Spirit, pushing everyone around her to raise their level and be better. Congratulations, Leigh, on your well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame.

Chantelle James former Aussie Spirit Assistant Coach –

Leigh was the definition of a professional long before the term was commonly used in our sport, training on Easter Sunday because that’s what the pursuit of excellence required. Leigh was willing to do whatever it took to be the best player she could be, relentless in her preparation, uncompromising in her standards, and deeply committed to continual improvement. Just as importantly, she never lost sight of the people around her, consistently showing gratitude and genuine support for those who helped her along the way. This recognition is not only deserved, it is a true reflection of the standard Leigh set for our sport and for everyone who followed.

Congratulations Leigh. On behalf of Softball Australia, congratulations Leigh, your induction is well deserved and reflects a career that has inspired teammates, fans, and future generations of Australian softballers.