TWO-TIME WOMEN’S MEDALLIST AT 18 YEARS OLD

Baseball SA’s Women’s Division 1 competition continues to evolve, but one key piece remains missing—the most prestigious individual award still doesn’t have a name. While the medal itself represents excellence in the sport, it lacks an official title, leaving an opportunity for the community to shape its identity.

One player who has left an undeniable mark on the competition is Georgia Davis. At just 18 years old, Davis has already made history, winning two Women’s Division 1 MVP medals, the first at just 15 years old in the 2021-22 season. Her journey through baseball is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the growing strength of women’s baseball in South Australia.

Georgia Davis (Left) playing for Victoria and Angela Mourtzios (Right) Playing for Western Australia at the Australian Youth Women’s Nationals

From Tee-Ball to the Top

Davis’ introduction to baseball came in an unexpected way—through television. A baseball game happened to be on, and she was instantly hooked. Starting with tee-ball, she quickly fell in love with the game and never looked back.

In her early years, the pathway for female baseballers was far from what it is today. When she first played junior baseball at nine years old, she was one of just three girls in the competition. The women’s league wasn’t club-based as it is now, and South Australia didn’t have a Youth Women’s team at Nationals, forcing her to play as a friendship player for other states. At just 11 years old, she played for NSW Country, then Victoria the following year, where she won a bronze medal.

“The majority of clubs now have one or more women’s teams, and the number of junior girls playing has increased significantly. It’s amazing progress,” Davis reflects.

Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Triumphs

Despite her successes, Davis’ path hasn’t been without obstacles. She has faced both physical and mental challenges, including two knee surgeries for torn menisci in back-to-back seasons.

“The rehab the second time was mentally harder for me. I felt pretty defeated and upset that all my hard work from the past year was for nothing,” she admits. But her determination saw her push through, and incredibly, she went on to win her second Women’s Division 1 MVP medal during her recovery season.

Playing in a male-dominated sport also came with its own hurdles. “Being treated differently and not included with the boys was tough week in and week out, but I’ve gained so much resilience from it. It also made me appreciate the coaches who gave me the time of day.”

Building a Legacy

Davis’ ultimate dream is to represent Australia on the international stage, a goal that has driven her from the start. Along the way, she has built lasting friendships both locally and interstate, thanks to the opportunities she has had playing in tournaments across the country.

Her advice to young female ballplayers? “Don’t worry about failing—use every failed attempt as a learning experience. Baseball is a game of disappointment, but all the tiny mistakes and setbacks will eventually make you better.”

A Medal Without a Name

Despite all of her achievements, Davis remains focused on the bigger picture—the continued growth of women’s baseball. The Women’s Division 1 Medal remains nameless, a symbol of an evolving competition that is still carving out its place in the South Australian sporting landscape. While the future name of the medal remains undecided, its significance is clear—it represents the dedication and talent of athletes like Georgia Davis, who are paving the way for the next generation.