In a sport often dominated by younger athletes, Jess Johnson is rewriting the rulebook. At 37 years old, the seasoned right-handed pitcher is set to make her national debut with the Australian Emeralds, the country's women's national baseball team, proving that dedication knows no age limit.

Johnson's call-up is particularly remarkable given she recently embraced motherhood, a journey that she credits with refining her approach to the game she has played for decades. Her selection as the oldest member of the 20-person squad, which includes players less than half her age, underscores a story of unwavering commitment and resilience.

A Lifelong Passion and Persistent Pursuit

Hailing from Victoria's north-west, Johnson's baseball journey began early, playing T-ball and softball in Mildura before honing her skills with the Hawks Baseball Club. Her talent truly blossomed after moving to Melbourne, where she became a prominent figure for the Doncaster Dragons and a two-time championship winner with the Victorian state team.

Despite her extensive experience, national team selection remained elusive until now. Johnson came tantalizingly close to making the 2023 World Cup squad, only to be cut in the final round. Far from a setback, this near-miss fueled her determination, ensuring she remained firmly on the radar of the national selection panel even after taking a temporary hiatus from the sport.

Balancing Motherhood and Elite Sport

Last year, Johnson welcomed her son, Mason, whom she affectionately dubs a “future major league baseball star in the making.” Her commitment to baseball remained steadfast even during her pregnancy, continuing rigorous training, playing, and gym sessions until she was 30 weeks along.

Becoming a mum in May marked a new chapter, but Johnson's return to elite sport was swift. Within just three months, she was back to high-performance training with Baseball Victoria, quickly resuming her place on the field. This rapid return, however, came with significant adjustments.

“There was a massive adjustment to going back to training,” Johnson shared, acknowledging the profound shifts – mentally and physically – that parenthood brings. Surprisingly, she believes starting a family has positively impacted her game. “I actually think having a child has helped me,” she explained. “It's sort of helped me just maybe relax a bit more and maybe stop caring a little bit much and just – having fun, I think, is a big thing. Sometimes when you stop caring and worrying about all the little things and just start having fun, things seem to click and fall into place.”

The Road Ahead for the Emeralds

For Johnson, making the national team is undoubtedly a pinnacle achievement in her sporting career, but her sights are now set on earning a medal at the upcoming World Cup. The Australian Emeralds, currently ranked 10th in the world, face a formidable challenge in the group stage.

Their pool is stacked with powerhouse nations, including the United States of America (world No. 2), Canada (world No. 3), Mexico (world No. 4), South Korea (world No. 12), and Hong Kong-China (world No. 8 and world No. 19). With only the top three teams advancing to the World Cup Finals in 2027, every match will be crucial.

The Emeralds squad for this year features a blend of experience and fresh talent, with seven players making their national debut alongside 13 World Cup veterans. The team boasts an average age of 25.8, including three teenagers and eleven players aged 25 or younger, creating a dynamic mix that promises an exciting campaign.

Australia's journey begins with their first match against Mexico, scheduled for 6 am AEST on July 23. All eyes will be on Johnson and her teammates as they strive to make their mark on the international stage.