Northants Baseball Club’s very own Sophie Willis has achieved something truly special – representing Great Britain at the Women’s European Baseball Championships in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic, where the national side claimed a historic gold medal.

The victory secures Great Britain a place at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Illinois next year, marking a huge milestone for the programme and an unforgettable achievement for Sophie and her club.

The road to gold was far from easy, but GB made a statement right from the start, mercy-ruling France 16–1 in their opening game. France were the defending champions, but Britain’s emphatic win showed they were ready to go all the way.

Next came a tough battle with hosts Czech Republic, which ended in a narrow 15–12 loss. However, Sophie made her mark in this game – coming in as a relief pitcher, she struck out the first batter she faced and forced a groundout for the second out before shutting down the inning. She went on to pitch another solid inning, showing great composure and skill on the European stage.

Britain bounced back with a thrilling 10–9 win over the Netherlands, setting up a rematch with the Czechs in the final. This time, GB held firm in a tense showdown and secured the championship with a 9–7 victory, finally claiming the European crown after missing out in the 2022 edition.

For Sophie, the experience was not only about representing her country but also about bringing recognition to Northants Baseball Club. Her achievements demonstrate the talent being developed at grassroots level in the UK, and her success provides inspiration for players of all ages, especially young women looking to get involved in the sport.

The club is rightly proud of her contribution on the international stage, proving that dedication and hard work at a local club can lead to opportunities at the very highest level.

With Great Britain now preparing for the World Championships in Illinois, Sophie’s journey highlights the importance of strong community clubs like Northants in helping players reach their full potential.

From Northamptonshire to the world stage – Sophie’s achievement is a shining example of what’s possible, and a proud moment for British baseball.