9 Aussies drafted into Women’s Professional Baseball League
Well, history wasn’t just written. It was drafted.
All nine eligible Australians have been selected in the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) draft, and I’m still coming to terms with the fact we went nine from nine.
It’s one of those moments you were glad you were a part of, no matter in what way, because of everything it means for the sport and everyone who has helped build it.
What is the WPBL
The WPBL will launch in the 2026 American summer with four teams: New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Australians taken
Round 2, Pick 9, Boston: Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW)
Round 3, Pick 7, Los Angeles: Caitlin Eynon (WA)
Round 3, Pick 12, Boston: Molly Paddison (QLD)
Round 3, Pick 14, New York: Claire O’Sullivan (NSW)
Round 4, Pick 2, New York: Maddison Erwin (ACT/NSW)
Round 4, Pick 3, Los Angeles: Leah Cornish (WA)
Round 4, Pick 17, Boston: Allie Bebbere (VIC)
Round 5, Pick 7, Los Angeles: Elodie O’Sullivan (WA/NSW)
Round 6, Pick 2, New York: Chloe Atkinson (WA)
By team
Boston: Ticara Geldenhuis, Molly Paddison, Allie Bebbere
New York: Claire O’Sullivan, Maddi Erwin, Chloe Atkinson
Los Angeles: Elodie O’Sullivan, Leah Cornish, Caitlin Eynon
Who are these players?
This isn’t just about names on a draft board — these are some of the most accomplished and exciting talents in Australian baseball:
Claire O’Sullivan (NSW): A dual World Cup representative and 2025 Nationals MVP, she’s a proven winner with power, elite defence, and the ability to change a game instantly.
Caitlin Eynon (WA): One of the best two-way players in the world, the 2023 Emerald is already a Nationals Golden Arm and Golden Glove winner, with a rocket arm and clutch bat.
Allie Bebbere (VIC): A two-time Golden Arm winner and World Cup standout in 2023 for the Emeralds, she’s a workhorse pitcher who can also swing a power bat.
Elodie O’Sullivan (WA/NSW): A three-time national champion and an Emerald at the 2018 World Cup, she’s the definition of consistency and reliability.
Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW): Known for blistering speed and game-changing instincts, the 2023 Emerald has been a standout since her teenage years.
Maddi Erwin (ACT/NSW): Canberra’s first Women’s World Cup representative, she brings composure and adaptability on the mound.
Molly Paddison (QLD): Nicknamed “The Business,” she’s a teenage sensation already performing like a superstar, with MVP honours at youth nationals.
Chloe Atkinson (WA): At just 18, she’s already a Golden Bat winner with power, plate discipline, and defensive excellence.
Leah Cornish (WA): The youngest Emerald at the 2023 World Cup, she’s fearless, versatile, and one of the hardest workers in the game.
What they said
Ticara Geldenhuis: “Being part of the first WPBL means absolutely everything. This is a dream I never thought I’d get to live out. It feels surreal and incredibly special.”
Molly Paddison: “I dreamed of playing baseball professionally since I was a kid. Now it’s happening and I’m so excited.”
Claire O’Sullivan: “Being part of the WPBL is a great opportunity to play at the highest level. I hope it gives young girls in Australia something to aim for and helps the game grow back home.”
Why this matters
The week before the draft, the whole women’s baseball community felt like it was holding its breath in the best possible way.
If you’re anything like me, you had your mock draft ready and your outfit picked for the draft party you were hosting or heading to. It was an exciting time for the sport no matter where you were in your own playing journey.
I’m proud of my career. Did nearly as much as you could do that was on offer in my time. Six World Cups with the Emeralds, a couple of All World Team nods, 14 Nationals with seven titles, and a stint playing college ball in Japan.
But I never played in a pro league. That was the dream, and it was something many of us only lived through watching A League of Their Own.
Seeing that dream finally become real for this generation feels pretty special. I would have loved the chance to do this as a player, but honestly I’m just thrilled that our sport and our athletes now have something we fought a long time to see.
Earlier this year, hundreds of players put their hand up for WPBL trials, including dozens of Aussies. Some filmed scouting videos in their backyards. Others jumped on a plane to the US. After all that, nine Australians stayed in the mix and I said at the time that all nine had what it took to be picked.
And now they have been.
Congrats to the Aussie 9.
