The Barclay Cup is back! Adelaide will host nine Aussie teams and for the first time ever, an international challenger, at the fourth Barclay Cup from September 28 to October 4.

A week of competition, connection, and continuing the honour of Jacinda Barclay, the Cup features an exciting mix of international and state representatives, plus tournament first-timers, all stepping onto the same diamond.

And that’s the heart of this event: it’s not about elite performance, it’s about opportunity, growth, and the joy of playing the game.

Named after Jacinda Barclay, a trailblazer in women’s sport, the Cup honours her legacy.

But Barky didn’t just play sport, she redefined it. Baseball, AFLW, American football, whatever the code or size of the ball, she brought fearless energy, passion for her teammates and the game, and a spirit that lives on.

Jacinda represented Australia in baseball across five World Cups from 2008 to 2016, played professionally in American football, and lit up the AFLW with the GWS Giants — all with a spirit that inspired those around her.

Across the first three editions, the Cup has been lifted by three different states: Western Australia (2022), Queensland (2023), and South Australia (2024). Will we see a new state take the honours in 2025?

Stay tuned as The Inside Pitch profiles two players from each team: Now: someone we already know; and Next: someone we expect to know by the end of the tournament.

TEAMS

Barky Ball-hers (NSW)

Now: Tamryn Love (Ryde) One of the game’s rising stars, Tamryn’s powerful bat and arm are turning heads. She’s also known for her heart, earning the Lion Hearted award at last year’s Cup.

Next: Elise Wei (Ryde) A huge passion and drive to be better every play, every at bat, will no doubt see her excel on the mound and in the box. A student of the game who absorbs any information she is given, she is known for staying behind at training to get the extra edge!

Cinda Spirit (NSW)

Now: Emma Gainsford (Hills) Where do you start? The first Aussie girl to play at both the Little League and Intermediate League World Series, but this is her first Barclay Cup. A weapon with the bat, ball, and on the basepaths, watch for her… everywhere.

Next: Charley LeGrice (Baulkham Hills) A powerful lefty with elite game smarts, her versatility and leadership will be key across the diamond this week for the Spirit.

Florida Bolts (USA)

Now: Aleigha Auld (Rockingham) Aleigha dominated the 2025 Youth Women’s Nationals, leading in AVG, RBIs, and hits, earning the Golden Bat Award. She also recorded a perfect fielding percentage at first base and on the hill.

Next: Stella and Laura (Ryde): One of the many sister combos at this year’s event, they are no strangers to the Bolts uniform, having represented the USA outfit at the Baseball For All Nationals event in Reno in July.

Crocs (QLD)

Now: Poppy Ditchburn (Redlands) Poppy’s been sharpening her game through Baseball Queensland’s winter program. She thrives in any female squad BQ puts together and will be ready to go this week!

Next: Tigi Lien-Jenkins (Surfers Paradise) Tipped as an up-and-coming superstar, Tigi’s a genuine utility across both baseball and softball. Expect her to shine.

Axolotls (SA)

Now: Hannah Nuske (West Torrens) A dual reigning Youth Women’s Nationals champion with South Australia, the true two-way player finished in the tournament’s top five for hits, RBIs and triples at the plate, and also ranked top five in strikeouts with a perfect ERA.

Next: Evie Jennings (Henley & Grange): When you finish #1 in quality at bats at your Youth Women’s Nationals debut in 2025, well, you are quality. And don’t forget her ESPN Sportscenter highlights reel in the outfield. Just don’t stop watching when Evie is on the field!

Seahorses (SA)

Now: Alice Brown (Woodville) Australia’s most dominant youth pitcher in recent years, Alice earned her second straight Golden Arm after leading the 2025 Nationals in strikeouts and innings pitched.

Next: Makenzie Wigmore (Goodwood): Daughter of 2004 Athens Olympic Games baseball silver medallist Ben, the two-time Little League Nationals rep will be looking to make a surname for herself this week in her debut at the Barclay Cup.

Dingoes (VIC)

Now: Alyssa Jamieson (Footscray) A super handy hitter with sharp plate vision and serious speed on the bases, Alyssa’s also a reliable utility in the field.

Next: Louise Nagorcka (Upwey) In her first Barclay Cup, Louise is stepping into a key role. With a great attitude and hunger to learn, she’s ready to grow into her own game.

Hornets (VIC)

Now: Paige Anders (Doncaster) A 3-way player, and rising team leader, watch out for Paige everywhere this week… including on the basepaths where she will fly!

Next: Hannah Wilson-Powell (Waverley BC) One of the youngest in the squad, but you wouldn’t know it. A strong catcher and powerful hitter, Hannah’s growth is one to watch.

West Coast Rays (WA)

Now: Mylie Watt (Carine Cats) One of the game’s top two-way players, Mylie ranked top 5 in AVG, RBIs, and hits, and also top 5 in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts at the 2025 Youth Nationals.

Next: Isla Kalebic (Balcatta) Known for her grit and great work ethic. She consistently puts balls in play and is building the strength to match her skills.

Shout outs

To Hannah Fior (NT) and Chelsea Erickson (NT), two players from the Top End we’ll see in action this week.

Follow

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The Barclay Cup is back!