In Episode 07 of Inside the Game, Australian baseball coach Matt Redman is joined by Steph Lewer, women’s state league player and coach, to discuss player pathways, coaching girls in baseball, and building inclusive club environments. The episode explores Steph’s journey from player to coach, the importance of community and belonging, and how parents and coaches can support the next generation of players.

About Matt Redman, Steph Lewer, and RBI Australia

Matt Redman is the founder of RBI Australia and the host of Inside the Game. With over 25 years of coaching experience across t-ball, junior baseball, representative teams, and senior leagues, Matt is deeply invested in grassroots development and growing baseball and softball in Australia. Alongside his wife Kate, he co-founded RBI Australia in 2019 to support players, coaches, clubs, and families through coaching, training facilities, and quality gear.

Steph Lewer brings a powerful perspective to the conversation. She grew up playing baseball in Sydney, progressed through junior and representative pathways, and now plays and coaches in women’s baseball. Steph is also heavily involved in developing girls programs, mentoring young players, and helping clubs build inclusive, community-driven environments where girls can stay in the game long term.

What to Expect in This Episode

1. Steph’s Journey from Player to Coach

• Steph shares her story of growing up in a baseball family, starting in t-ball, stepping away from the game as a teenager, and rediscovering her passion through girls-only pathways and tournaments. Her experience highlights how important visibility, community, and opportunity are in keeping girls involved in baseball.
• She also reflects on how her love for the game evolved from simply having fun to competing, coaching, and giving back to the next generation.

2. Why Girls’ Pathways Matter

• A major theme of this episode is the importance of clear, visible pathways for girls in baseball. Steph explains how many girls drop out simply because they do not see where the game can take them.
• From junior mixed teams to girls-only programs, tournaments, women’s leagues, and coaching roles, this episode reinforces that baseball does not have to end for girls as they get older. It just needs better education and stronger pathways.

3. Coaching Girls Is Different, and That’s a Good Thing

• Steph offers valuable insight for coaches, especially those who may be new to coaching girls. Coaching girls is not about lowering standards. It is about understanding differences in development, communication, confidence, and learning styles.
• Girls are just as capable of understanding strategy, decision-making, and complex game concepts. Coaches need to ensure girls are not hidden in the field, overlooked, or praised only for minimal effort. Inclusion, opportunity, and challenge are key.

4. Culture, Community, and Belonging

• This episode strongly reinforces that winning is not the most important outcome at grassroots level. Steph and Matt discuss how strong club culture, inclusive environments, and genuine relationships keep players coming back year after year.
• From junior teams through to women’s baseball, creating a sense of belonging, supporting each other, and building community off the field is just as important as what happens on it.

5. Advice for Parents

• Steph shares thoughtful advice for parents of young players, especially girls. Her key message is involvement. Attend development days, say yes to tournaments, ask questions, watch games, and learn the sport alongside your child.
• Parents do not need to know every rule, but showing interest, curiosity, and support builds confidence and strengthens the bond between parent and player.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Pathways keep girls in the game. Visibility and education matter
• Coaching girls requires understanding, inclusion, and opportunity
• Community and culture are just as important as competition
• Development and enjoyment should come before winning at junior levels
• Parents play a vital role through involvement, curiosity, and support
• Baseball is a game for life when the environment is right

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If you’re ready to level up your game or coaching, Inside the Game is your go-to resource for practical tips, expert advice, and inspirational stories from Matt Redman and RBI Australia. Don’t miss an episode; subscribe to the podcast and never miss out on valuable insights that can help you grow in the game.

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Stay Tuned for More

New to the podcast? Start with Episode 01: Introduction to Matt Redman and RBI Australia.

Listen to the previous episode, Episode 06: Tips for Tournaments

Future episodes of Inside the Game will continue to explore coaching philosophies, player development, club culture, and ways parents and coaches can better support young athletes.

Whether you are new to the game or deeply involved in the baseball community, this series is here to help you grow, learn, and keep the game strong.

Train smart. Play hard. Keep growing the game.