Spirited Away: Aussie Spirit Squad Set for Japan Tour

Softball Australia has announced the 18 members of the 2026 Aussie Spirit Squad selected to participate in next month's Japan Tour, providing an important international development and assessment opportunity ahead of future national team selections. 

The tour will see selected squad members compete against elite Japanese opposition in a high-performance environment, providing valuable exposure to international competition as athletes continue their preparation for future opportunities on the international stage and the pathway towards the 2027 WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals in the City of Moreton Bay. 

The Aussie Spirit will play games against SGH, NSK, Shionogi, Denso and Toyota Industries. 

The schedule includes training and games between 25th September through to the 1st October. 

Recognised globally as one of softball's strongest nations, Japan offers a highly competitive environment for Australian athletes to test themselves against world-class opposition. The tour will provide players with the opportunity to further develop their skills under pressure, gain experience in international game situations and demonstrate their capabilities within the Women's National Program. 

While the Japan Tour is not a WBSC-sanctioned event, it remains a significant component of Softball Australia's high-performance calendar. The experience will provide athletes, coaches and selectors with valuable insights into individual and team performance against quality international opposition, helping inform future development and selection decisions. 

Head Coach Kerrie Porter said the tour would play an important role in preparing athletes for future international competition. 

"The Japan Tour provides a valuable opportunity for athletes to compete in a challenging international environment against high-quality opposition.” 

“These experiences are critical for athlete development and allow us to assess performance in situations that closely replicate the demands of future international competition,” said Porter. 

The following 2026 Aussie Spirit Squad members have been selected to participate in the Japan Tour: 

Softball Australia is also pleased to welcome Regan Dias (SA) to the 2026 Aussie Spirit Squad. Following a recommendation from the Selection Panel, Dias has been added to the squad and selected to participate in the Japan Tour. 

Dias has been part of the Australian softball pathway since the 2023-24 season and has continued to demonstrate strong performances and commitment to her development within the national program. She is currently progressing through the Australian citizenship process and her inclusion reflects the confidence the Women's National Program has in her potential and future contribution. 

General Manager of Game Development, Clare Walker, said the tour represented an important opportunity for athlete assessment and development.  

"Providing athletes with meaningful international opportunities is a key part of our high-performance strategy,” said Walker. 

“Tours such as this help build depth across the program, support informed selection decisions and ensure our athletes are exposed to the environments they will encounter at future international events." 

The Japan Tour forms part of Softball Australia's broader commitment to building depth and capability across the Women's National Program. Exposure to high-quality international competition provides athletes with opportunities to accelerate their development, gain experience in unfamiliar environments and strengthen their readiness for future national team campaigns. 

Participation in the Japan Tour does not guarantee future squad or team selection. All future selections will continue to be made in accordance with applicable selection policies, eligibility requirements and performance criteria. 

The Women's National Program remains focused on providing athletes with meaningful opportunities to develop and perform in international environments while supporting informed selection decisions ahead of future campaigns, including upcoming World Cup Finals selections and Australia's continued preparations towards major international events.