My name is Taylah Van Lieshout (Tsitsikronis), and I am incredibly proud to represent Australia as a member of the Australian Women’s Softball Team.

Softball has a proud Olympic history in Australia, with the Aussie Spirit winning medals at the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. Since softball was reinstated for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, my dream has been to help continue that legacy and return Australia to the Olympic podium after missing out on a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021. Being part of a team that can bring home another Olympic medal for Australia would mean everything to me.

Recently, I was honoured to be selected to represent Australia at the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Prague this June. Competing internationally at an elite level is an incredible opportunity, but it also comes with significant personal financial costs, with my expected out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $7,000 AUD.

Outside of softball, I work full-time to support my family while balancing the demands of training, travel, and competition as a national athlete — all while navigating life as a new mum. After recently returning to work from maternity leave, I have already exhausted my annual leave entitlements, meaning all upcoming travel commitments with the Australian team this year will be taken as unpaid leave. This places additional financial pressure on my family as I continue pursuing my dream of representing Australia on the world stage.

I am seeking financial support to help ease the burden of competing internationally and to assist me in continuing my journey towards the 2028 LA Olympic Games. Any contribution, big or small, will not only support my athletic aspirations, but will also help my family and me continue making the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level for Australia.

Thank you so much for your support and for being part of my journey.