As Great Britain’s Women’s first-ever World Cup appearance is inching closer, the squad is preparing to face its rivals – host nation Chinese Taipei, Cuba, defending World Champions Japan, Venezuela and the Philippines.
For outfielder Betheliza dela Paz, this does not only mean gearing up to lead the team as its Assistant Captain but also preparing to go up against a country she was born in.
Lhiez initially played fast pitch softball in the Philippines before moving to the UK, where she was invited to try baseball – a sport she always cherished but rarely played with formal structure during her youth.
“It will definitely be a very special and emotional experience for me, personally”, she said.
“The Philippines will always be an important part of who I am. It’s where I grew up and it’s what shaped me in so many ways, so having the opportunity to play against them on the international stage is really something I’d never imagined growing up.
“But then once the game starts though, my focus will be completely on representing Great Britain and doing everything I can to help my team succeed. I have a lot of respect for the Philippines and I know there’ll be a very talented and passionate side, so I’m expecting a competitive game.
“Regardless of the result, it’s something that I’ll feel incredibly proud to be part of. And I think it highlights how sport can connect different parts of your identity in a really positive way.”
After transitioning from the Telford Giants to Birmingham Baseball Club and earning a spot in the GB Women’s National Team in 2021, she now finds herself getting ready for her second international competition in just two years, following the European Championship in 2025.
Speaking of the honour of being named vice-captain of the team, Lhiez expressed immense pride and gratitude, acknowledging the responsibility of fostering a positive team culture alongside team captain Dani Briggs.
Lhiez characterises her leadership by leading through actions, supporting teammates, and maintaining focus amid challenges, embodying a spirit of shared effort within a strong leadership group.
“To be trusted by the coaching staff and my teammates in that way means a great deal to me. There’s so many talented leaders within this squad, so to be asked to help lead the team, it’s something I don’t really take lightly
“Sometimes maybe that means being a voice in the field and other times maybe it means checking in with teammates behind the scenes or helping the group focus when things get really challenging. ”, Lhiez explained.
Lhiez also sees this as a chance to encourage girls to pursue their dreams in sports, despite barriers and stereotypes that often limit women’s roles.
Lheiz herself works full-time for the NHS while also being a wife and mum of three and hopes her journey inspires other women and girls to embrace their identities by demonstrating that it is possible to serve the community, raise a family, and excel in a sport all at the same time.
“Every time someone asks if it’s difficult and how I do it, I just say: “I don’t know, I just do it”, she laughed.
“There are obviously a lot of challenges, but it’s something I’m really passionate about and that my “why” definitely includes my children – I have two beautiful daughters and my eldest is a boy.
“To every girl who loves baseball – or any sport for that matter – I think it’s just about believing in themselves, even when no one believes.
“The journey won’t be always easy and people will tell you you’re not strong enough, you’re not good enough or, in my case, you’re not tall enough. And they say, you don’t belong, which is something we’ve heard so many times being women in this sport.
“Just don’t let those voices become your own. Just keep showing up and keep working hard and be proud of who you are and never apologise for chasing your dreams”.
GB WNT will travel to Tainan for the World Cup Qualifier from the 23rd to the 27th of August where they will be aiming to secure a top three spot to advance to the finals.
The other half of the group stage already saw Australia, Canada and the USA qualify for the finals at the end of July.
The World Cup finals will take place in Rockford, Illinois from the 19th to the 25th of July 2027.