AYWC Wrap-up

The Australian Youth Women’s Championships recently concluded, featuring notable performances from players, Lila Hall and Charlotte Stokes. These athletes demonstrated skill and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. Exploring their personal stories and journeys provides insight into the dedication and passion that drove their success on the diamond.

Q&A WITH LILA HALL

What position/s did you play during AYWC? 
 
Catcher and DH
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
Individually– being awarded the Spirit of the Game award for the QLD Youth Team. 
 
As a team– how we played for each other on the field, we didn’t give up when we were down and made some pretty close comebacks. We got behind our pitchers which really helped them get through those high pressure moments.
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
Obviously, the competition and level of play is a lot higher and more consistent. The lead up is more intense mentally as you prepare to represent your state on a national stage.  This year was my last year in youth so on one hand I felt confident being one of the more experienced players but on the other the expectation to perform can make you get in your head a bit more.  Playing nationals makes you grow as a player though and it’s something that I look forward to every year now.
 
From your AYWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
Individually– I’m always wanting to better myself – physically, emotionally and mentally.   There’s always something I can be better at whether it’s behind the plate, with the bat or as a team mate. 
 
As a team– Baseball is a mental sport and you need to be resilient and able to shake things off quickly to be ready for the next play. We all know how quickly the game can turn around so it’s important to always keep your head up and keep playing hard.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
It’s all fun. Meeting players from other states, hanging out with all my QLD friends in Opens when I could as a lot of them were in the youth team with me last year. Going out for dinner each night is always good too. 

Q&A WITH CHARLOTTE STOKES

What position/s did you play during AYWC? 
Pitcher and 1st Base
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
My proudest individual moment was when I was playing first base and I took a catch in foul territory over my shoulder, leaning over the fence. It’s the first time I’ve ever taken a catch over the fence and it was in a really tight game against South Australia in the medal round trying to qualify for the gold medal game. It was the third out so I was very relieved when the ball ended up in my glove! That game was also my proudest moment of us as a team, holding on and staying calm to win in a walk off in the bottom of the last innings! When we won, we were all jumping around and hugging each other – it was SO exciting!
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
Playing at nationals is different to State Titles because you are staying with the team the whole time and it’s like living in a baseball bubble with your friends. Staying with the team and being together is a lot of fun, on and off the field.  You also get to play in the same team as girls from other clubs and regions in Queensland and get to know them better, when normally you play club ball against them. Playing against other States is great to see how we measure up to other players around the country.
 
From your AYWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
Overall, I’m really proud of how we went as a team. One thing I think we could work on would be with our hitting and trying to increase our extra base hits. We did hit well but our offence would be even better if we could find the holes in the field a bit more often.
 

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
There were so many fun moments we had during the trip. One of my favourites was during the game against NSW while we were waiting on the field during a long delay. Someone got a hand warmer out of their back pocket and we played hacky sack with it and had some laughs. Another one was at the field before our game on DFV day (when we wear the orange socks) – we decided to get the whole team to stand in a circle and we tried to all jump up and click heels at the same time – including the coaches! It was pretty hilarious.