The Mindset Behind Springvale’s Newest Big Cat
The Springvale Lions Baseball Club is thrilled to officially welcome one of Australia’s brightest young baseball talents, Leah Cornish, to the Big Cats family for the upcoming 2026/27 summer season.
At just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting baseball journey, Leah already boasts an impressive résumé. A member of the Australian Emeralds, she recently produced an outstanding performance at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage in Rockford, leading Australia in batting average against some of the world’s best pitching. It’s another milestone in what has been a remarkable rise through Australian baseball.
But despite those achievements, spend just a few minutes talking with Leah and one thing quickly becomes clear. She’s far more interested in what’s next than what’s already been accomplished.
Ask Leah about her long-term baseball ambitions and the answer is refreshingly simple.
“To be the best in the world.”
It’s an ambitious goal, but one backed by an incredible work ethic and a desire to continually improve.
Anyone who has watched Leah play knows she competes hard, prepares diligently and never stops looking for ways to get better. Those qualities align perfectly with the culture the Big Cats have ingrained in their program over many years.
For Leah, the opportunity to spend a season in Melbourne is all about continuing to learn.
“I’m excited to work with new people and learn different perspectives of the game,” she said.
“Melbourne has such great talent and I want to immerse myself and learn as much as I can. I know they’re a hard-working bunch and I’m looking forward to sharing and competing on the diamond.”
That attitude is exactly why the Big Cats are so excited to welcome Leah for the upcoming summer season. While her talent is obvious, it’s her willingness to seek new experiences, challenge herself and continue developing that makes her such an exciting addition to the club.
Importantly, this move is simply another step in her development as an athlete, and as a person. Whilst WA will always be home and has played a significant role in Leah’s baseball journey so far, providing the opportunities and environment that have helped shape her into one of Australia’s emerging stars, the chance to play a season in Melbourne represents the chance to experience a different baseball environment.
A chance to continue learning and take those experiences on board both personally, and back to WA baseball when she does return.
Although she’ll be wearing the Springvale colours for the first time this summer, Leah is no stranger to Victorian baseball.
Many Big Cats members will already recognise her from the Melbourne Women’s Baseball Tournament, where she has become a familiar face over recent years.
“I love the Melbourne Tournament,” Leah said.
“2027 will be my third time playing in it. I love how it’s a friendly tournament. It’s one of the only opportunities to play with girls from other states and other countries in a friendly but competitive environment.”
Now she’ll experience the tournament from the other side, as a Springvale Lion.
“I’m super excited to represent Springvale and for the tournament to be played at my new home field.”
That excitement extends beyond simply pulling on the uniform.
Leah was also part of the inaugural Barclay Cup and says the tournament holds a special place in her heart.
“I love the Barclay Cup! This tournament has always meant the most to me. So many fond memories of playing with girls I have grown up with.”
With Springvale hosting this year’s event, she’s already eager to contribute however she can.
“I’d love to help out as much as I can for the tournament. I’m really excited that I’ll get the chance to coach with Urs and give back to the younger players who are now coming up through the ranks.”
Leah’s commitment to learning and growing as a person and player has already taken her around the world.
Following high school graduation, she travelled to Canada to continue developing herself on and off the field.
“Canada was a great experience straight after graduating high school,” she said.
“I learnt a lot from the Canadian coaches and players. They’re a great bunch of girls. It was a great opportunity to grow as a person.”
Those experiences, combined with representing Australia, have exposed Leah to different coaching philosophies, playing styles and cultures, something she is keen to continue during her time with Springvale.
Leah will also arrive at Springvale having strengthened relationships with current Big Cats and fellow Emeralds, Bronwyn Gell and Ursula Howard, during Australia’s recent World Cup campaign.
She already knew Bron through previous Melbourne Tournaments.
“I played with Bronny in the last Melbourne Tournament and got to know her and her lovely family. They were super supportive and kind. I’m feel very fortunate that I got to then play with her on the Emeralds team this year.”
And when it comes to Urs, the respect is equally clear.
“I love any chance I get to work with Urs. She is a very genuine person and really supportive.”
Those existing connections should make Leah’s transition into the club even smoother as she settles into life as a Big Cat.
While Leah admits she doesn’t know a great deal about Springy just yet, we’re confident that won’t take long to change.
“I don’t know too much about Springvale, but I can’t wait to learn.”
Knowing our club, we suspect she’ll quickly discover what makes the Big Cats such a special place. A passionate community, lifelong friendships, plenty of hard work, and a shared love of baseball.
Two weeks ago, players from both the men’s and women’s program came together at a Watch Party to support Bron, Urs and Leah at the World Cup Group Stage event, a lot of them having never met Leah once.
Their excitement to cheer her on alongside Bron and Urs knowing she was about to be joining the Big Cats family was pretty amazing to see and speaks volumes of the types of people that are part of the club.
We’re incredibly excited to welcome Leah to Springvale for the upcoming season. We know she’ll make an impact on the field, but we’re equally excited about the person joining our club community off it.
From everyone at the Springvale Lions Baseball Club, welcome to the Big Cats, Leah. We can’t wait to support your journey.