2025 Gilley’s Shield – Firestars

                      Live Scores                                                                       Draw                                                                             Livestream

Our Firestars are starting their tournament this week! Playing in Waverly, Victoria, the games will be teeing off from the 7^th of January till the 12^th of January. After being crowned champions in 2024 the team will be looking for a strong defence of the shield.

Head Coach Kerrie Porter has been keeping the team busy, having played against the Chinese teams for preparation of their Nationals. With a stellar squad the team will be feeling confident heading into their nationals.

Head Kerrie Porter had a few words of inspiration heading into their Nationals:

“We are looking forward to the challenges at Gilley’s Shield.

We have a good blend of knowledge from our experienced players to the energy of our rookies.

Our preparation has been tremendous, with a good mix of skill sessions and games to work our combinations.

The NSW Firestars would like to take the opportunity of thanking Krissi and Karen of Cumberland Nepean and Daniel of Georges River for accommodating our training sessions when Blacktown was closed throughout December.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the umpires who assisted us during our program. Good luck to the umpiring candidates at Nationals.

It is always a privilege to represent the Waratah at a National Championship and we will compete with our ‘Blueblood Spirit’.

Thank you to everyone who have supported us and we will be doing our best to dig deep, battle hard and compete every game.

All the best and good luck to all our NSW teams competing at their Nationals Championships in 2025.”

Rachel Lack:

“Something that is very special to me about being a Firestar is that we are all home-grown bluebloods. That is something very special these days and something that brings us together when times get tough. I love being a blueblood and I look forward to the best week of the year every time I get to put on the two blues. Keen for a challenging and rewarding week down in Melbourne this year, should be a good one.” 

Michelle Cox

“Nationals is the best week of the year. We’ve got a great mix of talent, brains, experience and personality and I’m really excited to see what our Opens team can concoct in Melbourne. We’re prepared to face high quality pitching and we’re willing to dig deep, work together and give it everything we’ve got. It’s going to be a fantastic week of softball!”

Kelly Gentle (asst coach)

“Being part of the NSW Firestars—both as a former player and now as part of the coaching staff—remains an incredible honour. This program carries a proud legacy of success, built on a foundation of skill, strength, and experience, blended with the energy and talent of our younger players. The Firestars are more than a team; it is a family that uplifts and supports one another. Watching these athletes dedicate themselves to preparation and play with freedom and joy at Nationals is inspiring. I’m excited to support them to continue the incredible traditions of the team at the 2025 Gilley’s Shield.”

Check out our Firestars team travelling to Melbourne.

To watch our Firestars in action view the livestream here:

Diamond 2 –

https://www.spacequakesports.com/softball

To view their draw click here –

https://cdn.revolutionise.com.au/cups/softballaust/files/aiyz8csqtgzvxl7w.pdf

Watch all their scores here – 

https://softball.simmetrics.com.au/tournament/open-women-2025/schedule/