Trailblazer: Karina Connors

Shout out to Emerald alumni Karina Connors - the only female coach at the recent U16 Nationals

Karina served as the Pitching Coach for the Country NSW team at the recent 2025 Under 16 National Championships.

As a player, Karina set many records, including being the only far north coast baseballer to have been selected for the Australian women’s baseball team and the longest-serving Queensland baseball team representative - male or female - with 17 years spent in the maroon! Karina was was an integral part of Australia’s 2002 World Series gold medal-winning team and the 2016 World Cup Emeralds outfit.

Since hanging up her playing cleats, Karina’s transition from playing to coaching has seen her share her knowledge and passion across multiple states. From her first role with the U18 Queensland team in 2019 to winning gold as the Queensland Youth Women’s Manager in 2023, she’s been pushing boundaries and setting new standards.

Between games at the Nationals, WBIP caught up with Karina.

“Being the only female coach there wasn’t unexpected, as it’s traditionally a male event. And I feel that any time you get an opportunity to coach at a higher level, you should take it.

“Working with different coaches broadens your experiences. No coach is ever perfect and should be aiming to learn every day so they can be the best for the athletes.

“I especially love seeing when they’ve been challenged and how they’ve adapted. Especially working on a pitch that they haven’t mastered. Working on your weaknesses makes you great.”