GRP2 - QLD Preview - Nationals 2026 Podcast
The GRP2 podcast is back for the 2026 Nationals!
WBIP founder Amy McCann is teaming up with fellow Emeralds alumni Amy Cannington to bring you all the nationals news via our "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series.
The series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18.
QUEENSLAND PREVIEW
Queensland have been close.
Five bronze medals and eight fourth places in 25 years.
Always threatening the podium, not quite able to jump on it.
That’s something they’re looking to change in 2026.
This year, Queensland bring back a group that knows each other well. 12 returning players, plus a couple coming straight out of youth.
It’s a very Queensland mix. Young, but not inexperienced.
Six players from the 2023 Youth Women’s gold medal team are in this lineup. They’ve won together before. Now they’re stepping into the Open competition with that same confidence.
‘The Business’ Molly Paddison headlines the group, with the WPBL signee a bona fide world star.
Following in her footsteps is Charlotte Stokes, capable of changing a game with both bat and ball.
Kya Foxwell continues to be one of the most consistent bats in the lineup, finishing among the top for on-base percentage at Nationals last year.
“The Boss” Shiori Hoshino, plus Molly Donald and Jess Sullivan add experience and stability, while Ruby Orchard and Lila Hall bring speed and reliability through the middle.
Their Straight Outta Youth class, Hannah Elliott and Sally Knechtli, well we are all waiting to see them in the line up.
There’s depth across this side. And plenty of it.
But there’s also change.
Queensland have lost key pitching experience from previous campaigns including Ashley Van Staden, which puts pressure on the next group to step up and take those innings. How they manage that will go a long way to shaping their tournament.
What they do have is a group that plays without fear. The younger players don’t overthink it. They don’t get caught up in names or reputations. They just play.
The challenge is simple. To medal, Queensland need a moment. They’ll take care of the games they should. But to break through, they need to knock off one of the big three in NSW, Victoria and WA.
That’s the step.
Asked about their chances of pushing for a medal, the belief is clear for three-time representative Grace White.
“Yeah, 100%.”
Foxwell backed that up, pointing to the mindset of the group.
“I honestly think that we could do it… we all play hard… we all have the mindset where we want this, we’re gonna get this.”
Queensland aren’t far off. They haven’t been for a while. And if this group finds the right moment in Melbourne, they’re right in it.
FULL TEAM
Charlotte Stokes
Grace White
Hannah Elliott
Hannah Marshall
Hannah Wilson
Holly Moellers
Jessica Mitchell
Jessica Sullivan
Kirah Moloney
Kya Foxwell
Lila Hall
Mackenzie Rogers
Molly Donald
Molly Paddison
Riordan Bradley
Ruby Orchard
Sally Knechtli
Shiori Hoshino
GIRLS ARE PLAYERS TOO RANGE
The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign.
The shirts are available in all state team colours, with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams.
Where you get your podcasts
Tune in via https://womensbaseballinsidepitch.podbean.com/ or Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more!
