SA Announces 2026 AWC & AYWC Squads
Baseball South Australia is proud to announce the Youth and Open Women’s South Australian State Teams selected to compete at the 2026 Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) and Australian Youth Women’s Championships (AYWC), to be held in Melbourne from 12–18 April 2026.
“We’re seeing real momentum across our women’s program, with increased competition, higher standards, and athletes who are ready to challenge themselves at the national level.”
That momentum has been evident throughout the trials and preparation phase, with both squads showcasing strong commitment, intensity, and depth. From a Performance Pathways perspective, this year represents an important step forward for the program.
Across both teams, there is a healthy balance of new athletes entering the environment alongside returning players who bring valuable national tournament experience. That mix is critical, allowing younger athletes to learn what the national standard looks like while continuing to build depth and sustainability for the future.
Throughout preparation, training intensity has lifted noticeably and competition for roles has been stronger than in recent years. A number of emerging athletes have put themselves firmly in contention and are ready to challenge at the national level exactly what Baseball SA looks for in a highperformance environment.
A Massive Year for Open Women
The 2026 Australian Women’s Championships carry extra significance, with 2026 also being a Women’s World Cup year. Selection pressure is higher than ever, as athletes compete not only for state honours but also to put themselves in contention for the Australian Senior Women’s team ahead of the World Cup in the USA later this year.
It also provides an important pathway opportunity, with younger female athletes continuing to progress into the Open Women’s environment and gain exposure to elite national competition.
Strong Foundations in Youth Women’s Program
The Youth Women’s squad enters the AYWC on the back of recent national success, and excitement is building around the next phase of the program.
“The recent success of our Youth Women’s team coming away with back-to-back gold medals is showing an exciting time transitioning this group from the Youth to the Open Women’s level, and I’m really excited to see where our program will be at in the next three to five years.”
That transition remains a key focus for Baseball SA, with clear pathways in place to support athletes as they move through the system.
Coaching, Standards, and Looking Ahead
Both coaching staffs have played a vital role in preparing the squads for the challenge ahead, creating clarity around expectations, driving standards, and ensuring each group is prepared with purpose. Just as importantly, the program continues to evolve, with a strong emphasis on long-term development and sustainability in the pathways space.
Baseball SA General Manager James Rawson also add: “We look forward to these squads representing South Australia at the AYWC and AWC this year. The championships provide an exciting opportunity to compete at a national level, gain experience, and continue their development.”
Baseball South Australia congratulates all athletes selected and looks forward to supporting both teams as they take on the national stage in Melbourne this April.