The young catcher will represent South Africa and hopes the upcoming tour to the United States will bring more exposure to women’s baseball in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa (20 May 2026)- Representing South Africa on the international stage is already a dream for many young athletes, but for Grade 12 learner Milan Sevenster, the opportunity carries even more meaning.
Milan has been selected as part of South Africa’s U18 Girls Baseball Team set to travel to the United States in July, becoming part of one of the country’s first groups of young women to represent South Africa internationally in the sport.
While baseball for women is still growing locally, Milan’s journey started much closer to home.
“I started playing softball first in high school in Grade 8. Then in Grade 9, I started playing club softball and in Grade 11 my coach asked if I wanted to join the baseball team that the club also had.”
That decision would eventually lead to national colours, something she still describes as “a dream come true.”
“I was really excited because I thought it was already a big achievement just to play for Gauteng. Then being able to play for South Africa was a dream come true.”
The achievement, however, has not come without sacrifice.
Balancing matric exams with international sporting ambitions has meant long hours on the road between Centurion, Benoni and Boksburg for training and league matches, often studying in the car along the way.
“It’s tough. I study everywhere I go when I get the chance because I also need to show up for practice. I don’t get much sleep, but I’m putting in the effort for both.”
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“There are times where I want to give up, but when you work this hard, you have to be proud of yourself for the work you put in. I look back at where I started and that gives me the drive to move forward.”
Milan hopes the tour shines a spotlight on women’s baseball in South Africa and creates opportunities for more girls to pursue the sport.
“We need the exposure. There are girls who don’t always have the support that I have, so I hope this helps women’s baseball grow.”
And while she is excited to represent her country on the field, there is one very specific thing she cannot wait to experience in the United States.
“I really want to try the food.”
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