(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
USA Baseball Announces 2026 Women’s National Team Roster for World Cup
USA Baseball has officially unveiled its 20-player Women’s National Team roster for the upcoming WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage, set to take place in Rockford, Illinois, from July 22-26.
The roster was finalized following a five-day national training camp featuring workouts, practices, and intrasquad games. The squad includes a blend of experienced national team veterans and promising newcomers as Team USA prepares to compete for a world title.
Experienced Core Returns
Fourteen returning national team players have been selected, bringing a combined 57 years of international experience.
Among the most experienced players are Meggie Meidlinger and Kelsie Whitmore, who will make their ninth and tenth appearances for the national team, respectively.
Several other players continue to build impressive international careers, including Denae Benites, Alex Hugo, Kylee Lahners, Ashton Lansdell, Jillian Albayati, Jamie Baum, Kate Blunt, Elise Berger, Olivia Pichardo, Remi Schaber, Alexia Jorge, and Naomi Ryan.
Six New Players Earn Selection
Six athletes have earned their first call-up to the Women’s National Team:
- Jordan Andreas
- Bailey Brown
- Amira Hondras
- Sarah Lessig
- Ashanthy Marcano
- Addy Wilson
The newcomers will have the opportunity to represent the United States on one of the biggest stages in international baseball.
Team Focused on World Cup Success
Women’s National Team Program Director Makenzie Kelly expressed confidence in the squad following an intense selection process.
The team will reconvene in Chicago from July 16-20 for final preparations before heading to Rockford for the World Cup Group Stage competition.
The United States has a strong history in women’s baseball, winning WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup titles in 2004 and 2006. Team USA also finished as runners-up in 2024.
Coaching Staff Announced
The coaching staff will be led by former Olympic gold medalist Mike Kinkade, who will make his managerial debut with the Women’s National Team.
He will be joined by:
- Jason Sekany (Pitching Coach)
- Tanner Vesely (Assistant Coach)
- Kristin Caldwell (Assistant Coach)
Together, the coaching staff brings extensive international experience and a successful track record with USA Baseball.
USA Baseball 2026 Women’s National Team Roster
- Jillian Albayati (RHP/OF)
- Jordan Andreas (RHP)
- Jamie Baum (INF/OF/RHP)
- Denae Benites (C)
- Elise Berger (RHP)
- Kate Blunt (RHP/INF)
- Bailey Brown (RHP)
- Amira Hondras (OF/UTL)
- Alex Hugo (INF)
- Alexia Jorge (C)
- Kylee Lahners
- Ashton Lansdell
- Sarah Lessig (RHP/OF)
- Ashanthy Marcano (OF)
- Meggie Meidlinger (RHP)
- Olivia Pichardo (OF/RHP)
- Naomi Ryan (LHP/INF/OF)
- Remi Schaber (INF/RHP)
- Kelsie Whitmore (RHP/OF)
- Addy Wilson (LHP/OF)
With a balanced roster featuring
