For the Southern Hills Warriors Junior League team, every training session, every early morning game, and every swing of the bat has led to this moment…. a chance to represent Western Australia on the national stage.
The Warriors, made up of 12 young players and four coaches, have qualified for the 2025 National Junior League Baseball Championships in Lismore, New South Wales, kicking off on May 28. And if they win, they’ll go on to represent Australia at the Junior League World Series in the USA later this year.
It’s a huge moment for the tight-knit team, who’ve been training hard both on and off the field. For Coach Aaron Ottoway, the effort has been about more than just tactics and drills.
“The team have been working really hard at practice, trying to implement new structures and the way we play the game,” he said. “This is an opportunity to play at a higher level, and a chance for the boys to grow as athletes.”
The players know the stakes and the honour that come with wearing the WA colours.
“I was excited and proud of the team for qualifying for Nationals,” said Rylan Ottoway. “We believed in one another and supported each other, and it all came together when it mattered.”
For his teammate Nicholas Rieka, the experience so far has been unforgettable.
“When I found out I was going to Nationals I felt very excited, and I was proud of both my team’s and my own effort,” he said. “We’re all different in personality, but we work so well together. That’s helped us understand each other’s strengths and help each other succeed.”
Coach Ottoway says it’s that connection and commitment that sets the group apart.
“I’ve been involved in grassroots sport and coaching for many years, and the reward is seeing these kids grow; not just as players, but in their everyday lives.”
Parents have watched their children rise through the ranks, from teeball to representing their state.
A parent, Ben Massimini, said, “Seeing them start at seven years old and now representing Southern Hills Warriors at this level makes us so proud.”
He added,” We’re grateful to the coaches and everyone who’s helped them get here.”
Behind the scenes, families and volunteers are keeping things moving. Executive Officer Laura Sutton says the players’ dedication is matched by the support around them.
“The bond this team has formed, and the way they’ve committed to the game, has been incredible,” she said. “They’ve earned this opportunity, and we’re all behind them.”
As the countdown to Nationals begins, the team is also preparing for the challenge of getting there. Parents are covering the bulk of the travel and accommodation costs, while the team is fundraising through raffles, sausage sizzles, sponsorships and a GoFundMe campaign to help with remaining expenses like fuel, food, and team equipment.
The response from the local community has been encouraging and the team is hopeful more support will follow.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Laura said. “If they win in Lismore, they’ll represent Australia at the World Series in the USA. That’s something truly special; not just for the boys, but for the entire community.”
To support the team’s journey, visit their GoFundMe page and help them get to the Nationals.
