Team Ontario Takes the Field in Historic Women’s Baseball Debut at Canada Games

Ontario joins nine other provinces in pursuit of the first-ever women’s baseball medal at the Canada Games.

August 19, 2025

History is being made this week in St. John’s as women’s baseball takes the field at the Canada Games for the first time. All 10 provinces have assembled elite U16 rosters, marking a milestone moment for women in sport and for the growth of baseball in Canada.

The inclusion of women’s baseball builds on the legacy of Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Jaida Lee, who made history at the 2022 Canada Games in Niagara when she became the first female athlete to compete in the baseball competition. Now, just three years later, dozens of girls have that same opportunity to proudly represent their provinces—this time on a level playing field created specifically for them. Lee was also on hand at the Opening Ceremony, where she threw the first pitch to officially commence the tournament with the game between B.C. and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Team Ontario arrives with a roster that blends experience and emerging talent. Many athletes have been part of the province’s development system for years, competing together at national championships, while others developed their game on local boys’ teams before earning their first chance to wear the Ontario jersey.

For 16-year-old pitcher and outfielder Sophia Milks of Ottawa, the debut is both personal and symbolic. “I’ve been the only girl on every team I’ve played for up until this point,” she said. “Sometimes other teams would question why I was there, but I had supportive teammates and kept pushing. Now, playing with this group of girls, the bond is different—we can really connect on and off the field.”

Jaida Lee, the first woman to play baseball at a Canada Games in 2022, signs autographs before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the women’s baseball debut in St. John’s. (Canada Games)

Gusty, the 2025 Canada Games mascot, takes the field with Team N.L. before the women’s baseball debut game following Opening Ceremony. (Canada Games)

Milks, who was named MVP of her Ottawa West co-ed junior team in 2023 and was the first female starter on her high school varsity team last season, says her motivation comes from more than her own ambitions. “Back home there are younger girls who look up to me,” she said. “To be part of the first Canada Games women’s baseball tournament means a lot. It shows them there’s a path forward.”

She sees this inaugural tournament as part of a larger shift in the sport. “I want to keep taking my own career further, and moments like this show the path is opening,” Milks said. “With women’s baseball making its debut at the Canada Games and a professional women’s league starting in the U.S. next year, it feels like an exciting time where anything is possible.”

For young players watching, her message is simple: “Work twice as hard as boys do and just never give up. Prove everyone who doubts you wrong.”

Her teammate Victoria Curro of Etobicoke brings an equally strong résumé: three consecutive years representing Ontario at the Baseball Canada 16U Girls National Championship, top-three finishes in 2023 and 2024, and a gold medal at the Ontario Summer Games last summer.

Her passion for the sport began early. “I grew up watching my brother Anthony play and dreamed of being just like him,” Curro said. “I started T-ball young, and by eight I was at my first girls’ clinic with Team Ontario—and I knew I wanted to keep playing for myself.”

Now, as a shortstop, third base, and pitcher, her focus is on leading by example. “It’s my final year at the 16U level and I really want to work hard, provide leadership for our younger players and win gold with my team.” She added, “The women’s baseball community can feel really niche, so it’s very cool to be playing at Canada’s biggest multi-sport Games. I’ve never really experienced anything of this scale. It feels like a big opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”

The team also includes 15-year-old catcher and middle infielder Zoe McGregor of Oshawa, who has been playing baseball for more than a decade. On the sidelines in St. John’s, her grandmother Darlene reflected on what the moment means for their entire family, having attended hundreds of Zoe’s games over the years. “When I was young, girls didn’t have the option to play baseball. Watching Zoe grow through the sport and now competing here—it’s given her so much confidence and opportunity. To see her part of this first-ever women’s baseball competition at Canada Games is something I never imagined I’d get to witness.”

For McGregor, wearing the Ontario jersey is a source of pride. “Representing Team Ontario is such a privilege,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to play at a national level and I feel blessed to do it.”

She says what makes the debut even more special is the chance to compete with peers who share the same journey. “Most of us grew up playing on boys’ teams, so to finally come together as a girls’ team is incredible,” McGregor said. “The atmosphere is different, the friendships are stronger, and it’s a great experience for everybody.”



And when it comes to her expectations for the week ahead? McGregor doesn’t hesitate: “Gold. Going for gold. Go big or go home.”

Team Ontario cheers on the historic first women’s baseball game at the 2025 Canada Games: B.C. vs. N.L. (Sam Charles/Team Ontario)

Ontario’s Sophia Milks pictured early in her baseball journey and competing at last year’s U16 Nationals. (Ottawa West Twins)

Behind the bench, Team Ontario is guided by Head Coach Sean O’Brien and a strong female coaching team of Ashley Flemington, Brittany Chan, and pitching coach Mena Florio. Together, they’ve prepared the athletes through months of training camps and competition leading up to St. John’s.

For Mission Staff support for the team, Teresa Hutchinson, the moment echoes one she witnessed more than 30 years ago. In 1991, she was an official when women’s hockey made its Canada Games debut. That tournament contributed to the platform launching the careers of legends like Hayley Wickenheiser, named MVP of the gold medal game at just 14, and future Olympic goaltender Sami Jo Small. Ontario’s roster that year also featured Amanda Benoit Wark and Casey Campbell Pascal, both of whom went on to represent Canada internationally.

“To see how that sport has grown since then, I know this is going to be an incredible opportunity for these young women,” Hutchinson said. “I feel honoured to witness another historic first for Canadian women in sport.”

Ontario joins nine other provinces in pursuit of the first-ever women’s baseball medal in Canada Games history. The week-long competition runs August 18–24, with playoff rounds beginning August 23 and the gold medal game set for August 24.

For Curro, Milks, McGregor, and the rest of Team Ontario, the opportunity is as much about competing for medals as it is about building a lasting future for women’s baseball in Canada.