“Straight Outta Youth” - Nationals Class of 2025
When I was 16, there were no Emeralds, no Women’s Nationals, and certainly no Youth Nationals. There weren’t even any Women’s Leagues anywhere in Australia!
Wow, how things have changed since the 1990s.
Now in 2025, female teenage baseballers across the country have so many opportunities — from club ball to state teams, and even the international stage.
A huge reason for this is the Youth Nationals. Introduced in 2012, it has become a breeding ground for the country’s finest talent.
Across the eleven editions held, the individual award honour roll is packed with players who’ve gone on to become Emeralds — names like Genevieve Beacom, Ticara Geldenhuis, Maddison Heath, Kelsey Brennan, Jordan Richardson, and Abbey Kelly.
And every year, it’s exciting to see which players graduate from youth into the elite ranks.
The Straight Outta Youth class of 2025 was superb, with more than a dozen players making their debut at the Nationals.
So, we’d like you to meet WBIP’s five standout Straight Outta Youth players from 2025.
Ryleigh Delacour-Batch - New South Wales — Eastern Suburbs Dolphins
From Tahnee Lovering to Maddison Heath, there’s definitely something in the water that catchers drink in NSW — and it looks like Ryleigh has taken a big sip!
The talented youngster proved a brilliant understudy to current Emerald Heath throughout the week, appearing in seven innings behind the dish across five games, including a solid four-inning stint against Queensland White.
Ryleigh’s maiden hit in the bigs was a statement — a booming bases-clearing, game-ending double into the left-centre gap in the sixth inning against South Australia in the pool play round.
“I had the ability to learn so much from the other players and improve my skills by watching how they play the game. I’m very grateful to have been given this opportunity at such a young age. My first Women’s Nationals will forever be a cherished memory — I really enjoyed the week and wish it lasted forever!”
Kendra Rutgers - Victoria — Doncaster Baseball Club
The baseball world knows the surname Rutgers — with Paul flying the flag on the international stage for Australia, South Africa, and in the Minnesota Twins organisation. In 2025, the baseball world met his niece, Kendra — and what an introduction she made.
The left-hander delivered an emphatic debut on home soil, starting against Queensland White where she struck out four, scattered six hits, and allowed just two unearned runs across three innings in a dominant 26-4 win.
“Kenny” also saw time at first base against South Australia, recording her maiden putout and RBI.
And when she wasn’t on the field, word has it she was well in contention for the Best Benchie award!
“I was lucky enough to debut alongside an amazing group of women who supported me and had my back. I never expected to play in my first year, but I’m glad I had the opportunity.”
Isabella Clarke - Western Australia — Kalamunda Rangers Baseball Club
Most Nationals rookies spend their debut tournament charting pitches, filling water bottles, grabbing the odd at-bat, or coming in as late-game defensive subs.
Not Bella. The WA youngster became a key part of the bronze medal-winning lineup, starting at second base in eight games and forming a formidable combo up the middle with World Cup superstar Caitlin Eynon. And who could forget Bella’s ‘kick the can’ play — her first in competition!
With the bat, she notched her first hit in style during a 3-for-3 outing against Queensland White, driving in two runs and scoring twice.
And she wasn’t done there — Bella also took the mound in two games across the week.
“I was so grateful for the opportunity to debut with the WA women’s team — it was an incredible experience I’ll always cherish. I was nervous at first competing against such talented players, but it challenged and inspired me. It was truly an honour to play with and against so many amazing players, and this experience has deepened my love for the game.”
Charlotte Stokes - Queensland — Windsor Royals
Like Molly “The Business” Paddison did on debut in 2024, fellow leftie Charlotte “The Weapon” Stokes absolutely fired in her maiden appearance in Maroon. Whether it was in the box, on the mound, or over at first, her stat line reads like a credit card:
4 innings, 6 hits, 2 strikeouts, 1 run to grab the win against WA on day two.
2 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 runs in a thrilling 12-12 draw with defending champs Victoria on day four.
First for Queensland in Slugging, first in OPS, second in On-Base Percentage.
No strikeouts. No errors. All class.
What a weapon!
“Leading up to the tournament, I was quite nervous, but my teammates and coaching staff helped me feel comfortable in the group. During the tournament, it was such a special experience to play for the Maroon open’s team and to have such a fun, yet challenging tournament. I loved every moment of it and am extremely grateful to have had that experience.”
Bree Ridding - South Australia — Central Baseball Club, Mount Gambier
In 2024, Bree helped South Australia claim its first-ever Youth National Championship, famously recording the final out to seal the win.
Fast forward 12 months, and Bree’s Women’s Nationals debut was just as impressive — finishing second in runs, third in batting average, and fourth in hits for SA.
She collected at least one hit in every game she played, including a clutch two-out, game-tying RBI single in the fifth inning against Queensland White to deliver SA’s first win of the tournament — a memorable milestone for the rookie.
“I was nervous and excited to play alongside and against such amazing players. It was surreal — I look up to and idolise these girls, and I can’t wait to keep playing with and against them in years to come.”
