In Episode 08 of Inside the Game, Australian baseball coach Matt Redman sits down with women’s state league player and coach Steph Lewer to share three practical tips for building inclusive environments for girls in baseball. The conversation focuses on language, equal opportunity, and coach education, offering simple changes that can make a lasting difference for young 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 is a lifelong baseballer, women’s state league player, and passionate coach. She has progressed through junior and representative pathways and is now heavily involved in coaching, mentoring, and developing girls’ programs. Steph brings a valuable female perspective to coaching conversations and works closely with clubs to help create inclusive, welcoming environments where girls can stay in the game long term.

What to Expect in This Episode

1. Changing the Language Around Baseball

• Steph’s first tip focuses on something that often goes unnoticed: language.
• Baseball has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, and as a result, certain phrases and expressions have become normalised over time. Steph highlights how comments like “you throw like a girl” or “you hit like a girl,” even when said jokingly or without bad intent, can unintentionally put girls down or suggest they are a weaker standard.
• Steph reframes this idea clearly. Girls do throw like girls. They do hit like girls. And that should be something to be proud of, not something used as a negative comparison.
• Changing everyday language is one of the simplest ways coaches and parents can create a more positive and respectful environment for young female players.

2. True Inclusivity Means Equal Development

Steph’s second tip is about genuine inclusivity, not just in words, but in actions.

She explains that all players should be treated equally, regardless of gender or perceived ability. The strongest players and the players who are still learning deserve the same encouragement, development, and attention from coaches.

This applies to mixed teams and single-gender teams alike. Girls should not be hidden in the field, overlooked in drills, or praised only for minimal effort. They are capable of learning the game, understanding strategy, and developing skills at the same level when given the opportunity.

Inclusive coaching means:

• Equal reps
• Equal encouragement
• Equal expectations
• Equal effort from coaches
• When players feel valued and invested in, they are far more likely to stay engaged and confident.

When players feel valued and invested in, they are far more likely to stay engaged and confident.

3. Education Is Essential for Coaches

The final tip Steph shares is education.

Coaching girls can be different in some ways, but different does not mean lesser. Steph encourages coaches to take the time to understand:

• What girls are capable of in the sport
• Any association-specific rules or equipment differences
• How to adapt training plans to support all players on the team

Being educated allows coaches to adjust communication styles, session structures, and expectations in a way that benefits everyone. It also helps remove uncertainty or hesitation from coaches who may be new to coaching girls.

When coaches are informed and confident, players feel that confidence too.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Language matters. Be conscious of the words and phrases used around young players
• Inclusivity means equal development and opportunity for all players
• Girls should be challenged, encouraged, and supported, not protected or overlooked
• Education helps coaches create better training environments for mixed teams
• Small changes can have a big impact on confidence, enjoyment, and retention

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Episode 08 of Inside the Game about?

Episode 08 focuses on creating inclusive environments for girls in baseball. Matt Redman is joined by Steph Lewer to share three practical tips that help coaches, parents, and clubs support young female players through language, equal development, and education.

Why is language important in youth baseball?

Language shapes how young players see themselves. Phrases that unintentionally put girls down can effect confidence and enjoyment. Using respectful, positive language helps girls feel valued and supported in the game.

How can coaches create more inclusive teams for girls?

Inclusive coaching means treating all players equally, regardless of gender or skill level. This includes equal opportunities, equal encouragement, and equal effort put into development during training and games.

Is coaching girls different to coaching boys?

Coaching girls can require adjustments in communication and session structure, but it does not mean lowering standards. Girls are just as capable of learning skills, strategy, and decision-making when given the right support and challenge.

What role does education play in inclusive coaching?

Education helps coaches understand how to adapt training plans, communicate effectively, and support all players on their team. Being informed builds confidence for coaches and creates better experiences for players.

Who should listen to Episode 08 of Inside the Game?

This episode is ideal for coaches, parents, and club volunteers working with junior and youth players, especially those supporting girls in mixed or girls-only baseball programs.