The British Softball Federation have announced the 16 players and three alternates to represent Great Britain at the XVII WBSC Softball World Cup Group A, set to take place in Fingal-Dublin, Ireland, from 11 to 15 July. Led by right-handed pitcher Georgina Corrick, the roster sees 12 players return from last year’s silver-medal winning European Women’s Championship team.
The 16 members of the roster are as follows:
- Katie Burge
- Sydney Brown
- Georgina Corrick
- Rebecca Faulkner
- Imogen Gie
- Mackenzie Langan
- Cameron McGinnis
- Paytn Monticelli
- Amy Moore
- Aubrey Peterson
- Morgan Salmon
- Kendyl Scott
- Alana Snow
- Tia Warsop
- Tate Whitley
- Chloe Wigington
“The trials at Oklahoma State University begins our process of establishing a culture of excellence. Seeing the potential of the youth on the roster partnered with returning veterans, we cannot wait to build standards to develop this team," Head Coach Tara Henry commented. "It is our expectation that all stakeholders -- players, coaches, and supporters -- will focus on a process and work ethic that pushes all limits.
"Great Britain will be ready to compete at the WBSC Softball World Cup, but this is just one more step to put Great Britain in the top echelon of softball teams in the world and prepare for the potential to compete for a spot in LA2028.”
Roster selection took place following a four-day trial camp held in Stillwater, Oklahoma, hosted by Oklahoma State University.
Great Britain qualified for the Softball World Cup by virtue of their second-place finish at the 2022 European Women’s Championship, winning a silver medal. The Netherlands (1st) and Italy (third) are the other two teams to qualify from Europe.
World No. 16 Great Britain will face No. 1 USA, No. 3 Chinese Taipei, No. 9 Australia, host nation and No. 17 Ireland and No. 43 Botswana in the opening group of the World Cup. An additional 12 countries will compete in Group B and Group C, played in Valencia, Spain and Castions di Strada & Buttrio, Italy later in July.
“This is a very young roster, as we have aligned the strategy to our long-term aim of LA 2028,” Great Britain Head of Performance Gary Anderson said. “Our recent performance trajectory is extremely positive, and I am confident that this group of players and staff can continue that. We are building an environment and culture whereby these players can become the very best versions of themselves both on and off the field of play. We have a tough group to negotiate in Dublin, but it is a challenge we are all relishing”.
Great Britain will hold training and preparation camps in the United Kingdom starting 2 July, based at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in Marlow and the National Baseball & Softball Complex at Farnham Park in Farnham Royal.
The training Camp will be highlighted by the Royal Spark Challenge, a two-game exhibition series that will see Great Britain welcome the Oklahoma City Spark to Farnham Park, the first time ever a professional softball team will play in the United Kingdom.
