Softball Australia is proud to congratulate Stacey Porter and Josh McGovern on their election as Athlete Representatives to the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term.

Their appointments were officially announced over the weekend at the 6th WBSC Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, where members elected the new Executive Board under the continued leadership of President Riccardo Fraccari.

Porter and McGovern join Randolph Oduber (Aruba) and Ayako Rokkaku (Japan) as the four Athlete Representatives on the WBSC Executive Board. All were elected unopposed.

In a move highlighting the global strength of softball, the WBSC Congress approved a motion of urgency from the WBSC Legal Commission to temporarily waive the Statutes and Election By-Laws provision preventing more than one Executive Board member from the same Member Federation. This decision enabled both Australian athletes to be ratified for the 2025 elective Congress.

Porter and McGovern Representing Softball Athletes Worldwide

Three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medallist Stacey Porter said she was honoured to continue contributing to the international growth of softball.

“It’s a real privilege to represent athletes at the highest level of our sport,” Porter said. “Softball has given me so much throughout my career, and I’m passionate about ensuring players’ voices are heard as the game continues to evolve globally. I’m proud to be part of this next chapter for our sport.”

2022 WBSC Men’s Softball World Champion Josh McGovern echoed that sentiment, expressing his excitement to advocate for athletes across both men’s and women’s softball.

“This opportunity means a lot — not just personally, but for the men’s game as well,” McGovern said. “Being able to contribute to discussions that shape the future of softball is something I take great pride in. I’m looking forward to representing players and pushing the sport forward internationally.”

A Proud Moment for Australian Softball

Softball Australia Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Loh congratulated both athletes, noting that their appointments reflect Australia’s strong legacy and leadership in the world of softball.

“Stacey and Josh embody everything that makes Australian softball special — excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to the game and its people,” Loh said. “Their election to the WBSC Executive Board is not only a testament to their achievements on the field but also to their dedication to athlete advocacy. We’re incredibly proud to see them representing Australia and the global softball community.”