After a fantastic Under 16 Nationals with both our teams finishing runner's up we now transition into one of the most prestigious national championships on the calendar the Gilley's Shield. Our NSW Firestars will hit the diamonds from Tuesday 9th January to Sunday 14th January 2024 as they seek to claim NSW's first nationals title for the season and an illustrious 24th Gilley's Shield against the best talent from Australia and across the globe. 

Over the past few months, our NSW Firestars have been diligently working towards this National Championship with dedication, commitment and hard work. Our NSW Firestars Head Coach Kerrie Porter provides us with further insight into our Open Women's preparations leading into the Gilley's Shield and the players to watch out for at Nationals. Porter said " We are excited, grateful and honoured to compete in the Gilley's Shield. Our preparation has been fantastic and the girls have worked extremely hard. I am in awe and proud of the players who have tremendous skill, determination and resilience. NSW Firestars have a proud history in the Gilley's Shield and we are determined to honour those who competed before us. We are looking forward to the tournament, which will showcase the very best players from throughout Australia and the world. We have a well-balanced team of young and experienced players and I am proud of every one of them and honoured to be part of the 2024 Firestars Team."

To represent both NSW and the Waratah in softball at Nationals presents symbolic meaning for both coaches and players and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication our coaches and players display to have success. NSW Firestars Head Coach Kerrie Porter shares her comments on what representing both NSW and the Waratah means to her at nationals." There is no greater honour than to represent NSW and wear the Waratah, with its incredible history, tradition and culture that has been built by many Bluebloods who have represented NSW before. To embrace the Waratah, the Blueblood culture and all the wonderful history, makes me feel extremely proud and thankful for the opportunity." Following on from Porter's comments NSW Firestars players Stacey McManus and Kaia Parnaby share their insight into what representing NSW and the Waratah means to them. 

Stacey McManus 

"It is a huge honour and privilege to play for NSW and the Waratah. To represent not only our state and family, but those who have been a part of the Bluebloods in the past and those who will have the opportunity in the future. Playing Nationals for NSW is one of the best weeks of the year, playing alongside some of my best friends in the sport we love and there is no better feeling than competing in the two blues."

Kaia Parnaby

"Wearing the Waratah upon my chest for the last 18 years, has been the biggest honour. Representing not only your family, friends, but the state of New South Wales, makes me beam with pride. Every time I am lucky enough to wear the two blues, it brings me so much joy and being able to share with people who have the same passion, for not only the sport, but for the state your representing, is amazing. The Waratah represents more than just another uniform, it means family, traditions, cultures, friendship and passion. Every time we are lucky enough to wear the Waratah at a National tournament, we aim to step up and deliver, with our amazing Blueblood culture that has been bred down before us with the rich history and culture of NSW softball."

We wish our NSW Firestars good luck and with every swing, catch and pitch everyone back home and at the grounds will be cheering you on as you make us all proud. 

NSW Firestars Draw 

Tuesday 9th January 2024 

Wednesday 10th January 2024 

Thursday 11th January 2024 

Friday 12th January 2024 

Saturday 13th January 2024 

Finals Draw 

Saturday 13th January 2024 

Sunday 14th January 2024 

NSW Firestars Team List 

To stay updated and across all the action from our NSW Open Women at the 2024 Gilley's Shield check out the Softball NSW social media pages as well as the Softball Australia website and social media pages for scores and all information in support of our blue bloods.