The Springvale Lions Baseball Club is proud to celebrate Club President and coach Jess Adkins‑Barber, who has been recognised by the City of Kingston as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day Awards. The honour acknowledges her outstanding contribution to community sport, local business, and the creation of inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.
For Jess, the recognition is incredibly humbling. Community sport, she says, is built on people who give their time and energy to others, which is something she has modelled across decades of involvement at Springvale.
“Sometimes I forget how much I actually do and imposter syndrome can creep in, so moments like this help me pause and reflect on the impact of the work and the people around me who make it possible.”
A Leader Who Lifts Others
Being acknowledged during International Women’s Day held special meaning for Jess, fondly to known to many at the club at Mini. It represents not only her own journey, but the progress of women in sport and business leadership more broadly.
“Leadership comes in many forms. Being recognised in that context means a lot because it highlights the impact women are having in spaces that have not always been easy to step into.”
Jess has become a visible role model for young women, both at Springvale and through her business, The Little Swim School. Some of her younger staff jokingly call her a “girl boss”, and several have even based school assignments on her work. While she laughs at the title, she understands the importance of representation.
“Being seen matters more than we often realise. If my journey helps other girls and women feel confident enough to step forward, lead and take their own opportunities, then that visibility becomes incredibly important.”
Building Inclusive Spaces, Both on and Off the Field
A core theme of Jess’s leadership is inclusion. As a parent in a neurodivergent household, she has seen firsthand how environments not designed for different ways of thinking can limit confidence and opportunity.
“The labels people carry can be incredibly damaging. When communities recognise that people learn and think differently, we can create environments where individuals are supported to grow, develop confidence and become the best version of themselves.”
This philosophy is embedded deeply in Springvale’s culture, a club where women are welcomed, respected, and valued across all levels of baseball. Jess credits early champions of the women’s program, like Billy Reay and Mick Wearne, for setting the tone.
“Even when I was a 16‑year‑old playing in the boys team, I was never treated as anything different. I was simply a player.”
That legacy continues today, with the club recognised as one of the most inclusive baseball environments in Victoria.
Coaching With Care with the Rookie Ball & Women’s Fourths
This season, Jess coached both Friday night Rookie Ball and the Women’s Fourths, two teams that represent very different but equally meaningful parts of the club.
Rookie Ball is where the next generation begin their baseball journey.
“It’s about creating a safe and encouraging environment where kids can learn the game, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team. That first opportunity to play the game can often define whether or not the sport is enjoyable and whether or not they fall in love with the game as a kid. It can determine whether or not they become baseball lifers.”
The Women’s Fourths, meanwhile, is a team built on connection, joy, and rediscovering a love for the game. And in some instances, players who are looking for a more social opportunity to get involved in baseball.
“For many of us it is our happy place. It’s a place where players can reconnect with the love of the game in a supportive and relaxed environment.”
Her coaching approach mirrors the philosophy she uses in her swim school which is connection first, learning second.
Balancing Family, Business & Community
Jess’s life is a blend of leadership roles, as a club president, coach, business owner, volunteer, and mum. She admits it can be a juggle, but her motivation is simple, community matters. She draws inspiration from mentors, favourite books, and a motto shared by a friend.
“How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
Her children keep her grounded too, they were more impressed by the awards booklet than the award itself.
“To them I am simply mum, and that is exactly how it should be.”
A Club Built on Belonging
Jess’s final reflection speaks to the heart of Springvale Lions Baseball Club.
“Clubs like ours are about much more than the sport itself. They are places where people find community, where young people learn life skills, and where volunteers give their time simply because they care about creating opportunities for others.”
Her vision is clear, to continue building pathways so more people, whether they be juniors, women, men, returning players, and new families, can experience the joy of baseball. The whole Big Cats community are incredibly proud of Jess, her leadership, and the example she sets for our community. Her International Women’s Day recognition is not just a celebration of her achievements, but a reflection of the culture she helps nurture every day.