Historic Debut for British Women's Baseball
Betheliza Dela Paz, a 41‑year‑old mother of three who works for the NHS in Coventry, is poised to write a new chapter for British sport as she prepares to represent Great Britain at the inaugural Women’s Baseball World Cup in Taiwan.
After years of playing fast‑pitch softball in the Philippines and moving to the UK in 2011, she was scouted in 2021 for the newly formed British squad, a pathway made possible only after the team captured the European Championship in the Czech Republic earlier this year.
Balancing NHS Shifts with Diamond Dreams
The road to Taiwan has been paved with personal sacrifice; each player has had to raise roughly £3,000 to cover flights and accommodation, a burden that underscores the limited funding women’s baseball receives compared with the men’s Olympic‑linked programme.
Dela Paz’s daily routine now includes early morning shifts at the hospital and evening training sessions, a demanding schedule that highlights her commitment both to patient care and to the sport.
Facing the World Giants
The tournament draw pits Great Britain against a formidable lineup including Venezuela, Japan, Cuba, the Philippines and host nation Chinese Taipei. Dela Paz is especially eager to meet the Philippines, the nation of her birth, turning the match into a personal as well as a sporting milestone.
While Japan enter as clear favourites, the British side views the competition as an opportunity to showcase the growing depth of talent on the island, hoping the exposure will translate into greater investment and a stronger pipeline for future generations.
Beyond the scores, Dela Paz’s story reflects a broader narrative of diaspora athletes who carry their heritage onto the world stage, proving that dedication can bridge continents and careers.