Pictured: Stacey Porter OLY, Justine Smethurst OLY & Chelsea Forkin OLY (Photo Credit:Scott Powick)

Softball Australia has proudly welcomed three legends of the game, Stacey Porter, Justine Smethurst, and Chelsea Forkin, into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame, recognising careers defined by excellence, leadership, and enduring service to the sport.

The formal presentations were conducted at the 2026 Softball Australia Cup tri-series in Brisbane, Queensland, ahead of the grand final match between world number one Team Japan and the Aussie Spirit on Sunday 1 February 2026, providing a fitting stage to honour three icons of the game.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class reflects decades of achievement at the highest level of international softball, including Olympic medals, World Championship campaigns, and countless moments that have shaped Australian softball history. Beyond statistics and accolades, each inductee is celebrated for the impact they have had on teammates, communities, and future generations of players.

Stacey Porter OLY – 2025 Softball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee

Pictured: Stacey Porter OLY (Photo Credit: Scott Powick)

Celebrating excellence, longevity, leadership, and an extraordinary contribution to Australian softball with the induction of Aussie Spirit Player Number 225, Stacey Porter, into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame.

Stacey’s career with the Aussie Spirit is nothing short of remarkable. Spanning two decades, from 2002 to 2021, she has represented Australia on the world stage an astonishing 446 times, a world record that speaks not only to talent, but to resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

At the pinnacle of international sport, Stacey competed in three Olympic Games, Athens 2004, where she helped secure a Silver Medal, Beijing 2008 - earning Bronze and Tokyo 2020, a testament to her longevity and elite performance across generations

Her consistency at the highest level is further reflected in her participation in six World Championships — in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 — an achievement few athletes in any sport can claim.

But statistics alone do not define Stacey’s legacy. From 2009 to 2021, she served as Captain of the Aussie Spirit, sharing the record for the most years as captain with Joyce Lester, 12 years of leadership at the very highest level. Under her guidance, she set the standard for professionalism, accountability, and team-first culture.

Stacey has long been recognised as an outstanding role model, not just for elite athletes, but for players of all ages across the country. Her impact extends well beyond the diamond. She has consistently given back to the sport, mentoring young players, supporting development pathways, and championing opportunities for young Indigenous athletes, ensuring the game remains inclusive, accessible, and strong for future generations.

This Hall of Fame induction recognises more than medals and milestones. It honours a career defined by leadership, service, humility, and an enduring love for the sport.

Stacey is consistently described as an exceptional athlete and world-class hitter, whose discipline, competitiveness, and big-moment presence lifted teams and intimidated opponents while setting the benchmark for Australian softball. Just as strongly, her teammates emphasise her leadership, humility, and impact beyond the field, a captain who led by example, inspired generations, embodied true Aussie Spirit, and gave back meaningfully to the sport and the Indigenous community.

Some of Justine’s former teammates and coaches shared these words:

Joyce Lester OLY OAM

Congratulations Stacey Porter on your induction into the Hall of Fame.

This is definitely a title you deserve ten times over.

I have been lucky enough to watch Stacey Porter’s career from start to finish and know that she is one of the best Australian players ever to take the field and one of the best batters in the world.

I first met Stacey when she was 18 years old and she was already making her mark on the Australian softball scene winning accolades for her outstanding hitting and fielding in the Under 18 team. Stacey was a role model for other players with her unwavering discipline and outstanding levels of performance always.

I never played alongside Stacey, but I spent a lot of time in Japan with her and must say that she is a force to be reckoned with on and off the field. She won every award at all levels, Batting Awards and Best Player Awards, not only in Australia but also in her college ball career and in the Japanese Softball League. I am sure that her house must be drowning in trophies earned over the years.

It was so great to watch her play and develop into a great team player and an awesome Aussie Spirit captain. She always led by example, it was her guts and passion on the field that was contagious. I loved watching Stacey play, in fact, when I coach, I often tell young athletes to not want to be as good as a famous athlete but to be better than them, and then I always say unless it is Stacey Porter that you are wanting to emulate. That is a great goal indeed.

Stacey, congratulations on your amazing career as a player and I know that you have influenced many young players to achieve their best at softball and to follow their dreams. You have been one of Australia’s finest leaders and hitters ever. There is no doubt that you should feel proud of your achievements and the legacy you have left in the game. It is immeasurable.

You are a great player, and you have had the most amazing international career and you are still playing which is testament to your love of softball and your dedication. Relish the accolades as you deserve them. Love you lots and I look forward to celebrating this award with you soon. Congratulations Legend.

Tracey Freeman OLY

Seeing you inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame honestly fills me with so much pride. I’ve watched you carry yourself with strength, humility, and that quiet determination that has always made you stand out—not just as an athlete, but as a person and friend.

From the moment you stepped onto the diamond, you demonstrated a level of talent and determination that set you apart. I still get nightmares as an opposition catcher not only trying to convince my pitcher we could get you out but also trying to work out the plan on how to do it. There were so many times just when we thought we had you, unfortunately I ended up with the best seat in the house watching the ball leave the diamond. As a team mate the view was even better. I can still remember games at the Canada Cup where you absolutely launched the ball over the fence and into the woods. Where only the bears could find it! Whenever we needed that lift you would be there to start it. Getting on base, turning to the dug out with the trademark ‘Stacey Porter fist pump’ getting everyone up and going.

Your impact on the international stage has been remarkable, representing Australia across multiple Olympic Games, World Championships, and elite competitions in Japan with a consistency and professionalism that continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Softball is better because of you Stace, and it’s not just because of the medals, the championships, or the big moments—though you have had plenty of those. It’s because you have always represented something bigger. You have inspired so many others. You are the true definition of what Aussie Spirit represents.

Congratulations, Stacey. Your legacy is profound, and this honour is richly deserved

Kerry Wyborn OLY

What an incredible and well-deserved honour for a beloved teammate and friend. Stacey Porter’s induction into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame is a true celebration of a career defined by excellence, grit, and leadership. Her impact on the game reaches far beyond the field, she has inspired teammates, opponents, and the next generation of players with her passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to Australian softball.

This recognition cements her legacy as one of the greats, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her and everything she’s given to the sport and to the indigenous community. Bravo Shirl!

Justine Smethurst OLY - 2025 Softball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee

Pictured: Justine Smethurst OLY  (Photo Credit: Scott Powick)

Softball Australia are proud to recognise a career defined by commitment, resilience, and an unrelenting competitive spirit with the induction of Player Number 234, Justine Smethurst, into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame.

Justine’s journey with the Aussie Spirit spanned across 16 years, from 2005 to 2021, an extraordinary testament to her dedication to the game and to Australian softball. During that time, she represented her country in 115 international games, competing consistently at the highest level across multiple generations of the national program.

She stood on the Olympic stage at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, where she played a pivotal role in securing a Bronze Medal for Australia, and represented the nation at four World Championships — 2010, 2012, 2016, and 2018.

Justine is recognised by the selection committee as one of the very few Australian athletes to span multiple Olympic cycles, and her longevity within the Aussie Spirit program speaks volumes about her professionalism, adaptability, and enduring commitment to excellence.

Those who played alongside her and coached her describe Justine in remarkably consistent terms. She is remembered as tenacious, fiercely focused, and relentlessly goal-driven, a competitor who thrived on big moments and never shied away from the toughest challenges.

From a fearless teenage pitcher determined to dominate every batter she faced, to a composed international athlete trusted with the ball in pressure situations, Justine hunted competition rather than avoided it.

Her coaches speak of an athlete willing to be pushed to her limits, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and one who absorbed every lesson because the outcome mattered. She evolved from raw power to tactical mastery, understanding that elite pitching is a long game built on precision, trust, and intelligence. As a teammate, she brought fire, fun, and unwavering dedication, lifting those around her while embracing responsibility on the sport’s biggest stages.

Perhaps most telling is how Justine handled adversity, after giving everything to the game across more than a decade, she faced the heartbreak of missing Olympic selection late in her career. Those closest to her recall her response not with bitterness, but with grace, resilience, and strength of character, qualities that define her as much as any performance statistic ever could.

Some of Justine’s former teammates and coaches shared these words:

Natalie Titcume OLY

When I think of Juzzy, three words immediately come to mind: tenacity, focus, and relentless goal-orientation.

I first met Juzzy on the diamond as the new, up-and-coming pitcher who was already making waves. She was blowing hitters away. Everyone was talking about her, how she was the next big thing in Australian softball. My immediate response? Challenge accepted. After watching a few pitches, I stepped in and launched a home run off her infamous rise ball. But from that very moment, I loved her spunk, her attitude, and—most of all—her determination not just to play for Australia, but to dominate internationally.

Our bond deepened after a tough series in the USA that tested her in every way. She was punished for her location, and the “I’ll just strike everyone out” approach wasn’t working. That’s when I became her mentor, and her truth-teller. I told her plainly: If you want to make this team, you need to come train with me—my gym, my times, my way. Her first week nearly broke her. By day five she could barely walk down the stairs. But we put in the hours, especially on location. She learned that a strike, in the right spot, is always the best pitch. That pitching is a long game, trust your defence, set hitters up, and think beyond the moment.

Juzzy absorbed every lesson, because the outcome mattered. Making the 2008 Olympic team, as our youngest player, was just the beginning. She thrived alongside and against Australia’s best, Tanya Harding, Melanie Roche, and Kellie Hardie, giving us a formidable and balanced pitching group.

I have watched Juzzy grow from a fearless young up-and-comer to a seasoned veteran, to enduring the heartbreak of putting everything on the line 13 years after her first Olympics, only to miss selection for Tokyo. During COVID isolation, she sat alone in a hotel room for two weeks, watching the Olympics unfold. We spoke often. It was a brutally challenging time but she faced it with grace, resilience, and conviction. She embraced it, learned from it, and moved forward.

Now, as a mother, I have no doubt she will bring that same strength, focus, and heart into the next chapter of her life.

Juz—you deserve this accolade. I am incredibly proud of you, grateful for our journey, and honoured to call you my little sister in this game. Congratulations on your induction into the Hall of Fame. You have earned every part of it.

Fabian Barlow – Former Aussie Spirit Head Coach

I first met Juzz in late 2003, she was a 16 year old pitcher who just wanted to throw the ball hard and dominate batters. She didn't care if you were a similar age to her or more experienced, a club player or an Australian player, she was looking to dominate you.

Juzz took every at bat very personal and very seriously. This was an individual battle, and she had to win it.

I recall talking to her at the 2008 Olympics telling her she will start the play-off game vs Japan to try and get to the Gold Medal game vs USA. I was curious how she would respond.

She got a big grin on her face and said "yep, thanks coach". The then 21 year old Juzz didn't flinch at being asked to pitch one of the biggest games in Australian Women’s softball history. By the end of our conversation the smile was gone and she had switched very quickly into compete mode.

She pitched a terrific game that night that would eventually require 12 innings to find a winner. Juzz hunted the big moments, the big games and especially the best batters. She would never take a backward step.

Juzz, you had a fantastic career that you and your very supportive family can be extremely proud of. You were not only a great player, a great competitor and enjoyable to coach but you were always a great person and that is ultimately the most important thing.

Congratulations on your induction into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame.

Stacey Porter OLY

Juzzy, congratulations my friend! What an honour to be standing alongside you today!

I’ve had the honour of spending so much of my career with you! We’ve laughed, cried and had so many hours together doing something we love and that has grown into the most beautiful friendship. It’s a real honour to me that we get to share this day together. You are one of my favourite teammates, you always brought fun, dedication and a fiery nature to every game you played. You impacted so many along the way and a highlight for me was seeing you take the ball in the Beijing 2008 Olympics bronze medal match like you were a seasoned pro. You were the baby of the team, but that day you were composed, competitive & you really rose to the occasion on the biggest stage in our game. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the friendship. You more than deserve this recognition, and I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate you today.

This Hall of Fame induction recognises more than appearances and medals. It honours an athlete who competed fearlessly, committed deeply, grew continually, and represented Australia with pride and integrity for more than sixteen years.

Justine, your career reflects the very best of our sport, courage under pressure, loyalty to the jersey, and an enduring love of the game. On behalf of Softball Australia and the softball community, it is with great pride that we welcome you into the Hall of Fame.

Chelsea Forkin OLY – 2025 Softball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee

Pictured: Chelsea Forkin OLY (Photo Credit: Scott Powick)

It is with great pride that Softball Australia recognise Australian Player Number 242, Chelsea Forkin, whose career stands as a powerful example of elite athleticism, adaptability, and service to Australian softball.

Chelsea represented the Aussie Spirit from 2007 to 2021, amassing 179 international appearances across a fourteen-year career at the highest level. She competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and represented Australia at five World Championships — 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 — consistently contributing on the world stage across multiple cycles.

Uniquely, Chelsea’s pathway to softball began through baseball, where she was already an accomplished international athlete. Her transition to softball was seamless and historic, joining Leigh Godfrey as one of only two Australians to represent the country at the open international level in both baseball and softball, a rare and remarkable achievement that speaks to her exceptional skill set and sporting intelligence.

Chelsea’s impact was immediate and lasting, known for her explosive athleticism, powerful hitting, speed, and one of the strongest arms the game has seen, she combined individual brilliance with a deep commitment to team success. Her performances in defining moments, including international tournament play and breakthrough victories against the world’s best, are etched into the history of the Aussie Spirit program.

Just as importantly, Chelsea is recognised for her humility, work ethic, and positive influence on team culture. She devoted a significant part of her life to representing her country and did so with integrity, selflessness, and a genuine love for her teammates and the game.

Those who played with and coached Chelsea describe her as a once-in-a-generation athlete, lightning fast, immensely powerful, and capable of things few others could imagine, yet always team-first, humble, and deeply loyal. From junior championships to the Olympic stage, she was admired not only for her talent, but for her character, work ethic, and the way she elevated those around her. Teammates speak just as strongly of the friendships, trust, and unforgettable moments she created, making her one of the most respected and beloved figures to ever wear the green and gold.

Leigh Godfrey OLY – fellow Class of 2025 Hall of Fame and former teammate

Congratulations Forks, absolutely no surprise that you’re receiving this accolade, I couldn’t be happier that you are getting the recognition you deserve. From our Kardinya Tee Ball days, through primary school competitions, the WA State team and then the Australian team, what a journey we’ve had.

Not only were you the best female baseball player in the country, but you decided to casually try softball and somehow made it look like you’d been doing it your whole life. You could do things others could only dream of, and somehow, while doing all of that, you were still the best teammate, friend and all-round great person.

From our first Junior World Championship to the Tokyo Olympics, it was always about the team for you. How lucky was I to have you as a teammate and a front-row seat to the absolute talent you were. You were the perfect mix of athleticism, power and pure raw talent.

Forks, enjoy today. You will forever be an Olympian, a Hall of Famer, a great friend, the best teammate, and one of the best to ever take the diamond.

Verity Long-Droppert – Former Aussie Spirit and WA Flames teammate

Chels, huge congratulations on your induction to the Hall of Fame! From the moment I first saw you down at under 19s training I knew you were a special athlete. You had a level of individual brilliance that was rarely matched, lightning fast, an incredible hitter and the best arm I’ve ever seen. There were moments playing with you and against you where I was genuinely in awe of your ability. You were one of those players who made the hard look easy.

You translated all that talent into a hugely successful, Hall of Fame career, national championships, medalling at world championships, playing professionally and representing Australia at the Olympics. You devoted a huge amount of your life to representing your country.

There was truly nothing like playing for your country with your best mate. How lucky were we? I will never take for granted all those memories. Congratulations again and can’t wait to celebrate with you soon.

Kere Johanson – Former Aussie Spirit Coach

Already a successful baseballer, I unashamedly went about recruiting Chelsea to softball.
She was an integral part of the Western Australian Flames drought breaking (51years) Gilley Shield win and quickly became a regular member of the Aussie team. Her performance at the 2014 Canada Cup semi-final ensured Australia’s first win against USA in 14 years will always be a highlight for me.

Hard working, honest and humble are all characteristics of Chelsea who was destined to excel.
In closing, Chelsea’s individual talent and achievements, combined with her positive attitude towards developing good team culture makes her a worthy inductee into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame. Definitely earned and well deserved. Congratulations Chelsea.

Chelsea Forkin’s induction into the Hall of Fame honours an athlete who made the extraordinary look routine, who bridged two sports at the highest level, and who leaves a legacy defined by excellence, loyalty, and respect. On behalf of Softball Australia and the softball community, Congratulations Chelsea.

The induction of Stacey Porter, Justine Smethurst, and Chelsea Forkin into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame stands as a powerful celebration of three careers that have shaped generations of athletes and elevated Australian softball on the world stage.

Their achievements span Olympic podiums, World Championship campaigns, and countless defining moments in green and gold, but their true legacy lies in the standards they set, the teammates they inspired, and the pathways they paved for those who follow.

On behalf of Softball Australia and the wider softball community, congratulations to Stacey, Justine, and Chelsea — three extraordinary athletes whose impact on the sport will continue to be felt for decades to come.