Lancashire student hopeful of World Cup selection
A Burnley-born University of Lancashire student has her sights set on a world cup – although not in your typical sport for someone from the North-West.
Sam Rahman, 28, hopes to be selected for Great Britain’s Women’s Baseball team as they send a squad for the country’s first appearance in World Cup qualifiers, and name group stage rosters in June.
“With the World Cup coming up next year, that would be something I wouldn’t be able to top.
“It would be out of this world to be selected for the group stage roster,” said the 28-year-old.
After representing Lancashire in cricket when she was younger, Rahman wanted to try something new.
Rahman discovered baseball in 2020, after GB head coach Jonathan Rodriguez and now Lancashire head coach Ian Blease delivered a taster session at the university.
“The instant connection I felt with the sport was something else.
“From then on I helped found the University Baseball and Softball club and haven’t looked back ever since,” she said.
Five years later Rahman took home European gold in Hluboka defeating the Czech Republic to win GB’s first title. However, she isn’t stopping there.
“I never expected to be where I am now, representing GB, that’s huge, it never crossed my mind when I started the sport.”
As Rahman said herself, the grind doesn’t stop.
The outfielder will be at spring training in Amsterdam at the end of march, followed by a BUCS Nationals appearance for Lancashire in May, as well as her third year in a Manchester based women’s league alongside playing for other co-ed teams too.
However, her journey in baseball is about more than just her personal achievements.
She’s keen more young women and girls give the sport a try, especially those like her.
“I hope young women and girls see me as a role model, especially from the south Asian community, as representation truly matters.
“Seeing someone who looks like you playing the sport can make it feel more accessible and achievable,” she said.
“People are always shocked when I say I play baseball, it’s not a sport you really hear about in the UK, especially up in the North,” she continued.
This could begin to change, as Jonathan Rodriguez has launched a full-time baseball academy at Myerscough College, and GB have launched a Women’s National Team Development Team, who help young players and visit different areas and schools nationwide to increase exposure to the sport which Rahman said was key.
Furthermore, Rahman was instrumental in the development of the Universities Women’s Baseball team, who played their first game in November.
Key Women’s National Team dates
- 29 March – 4 April: GB WNT Spring Training in Amsterdam alongside the Quebec Women’s Baseball Academy and the Netherlands WNT
- 23 – 25 May: GB WNT competes in the Battle for Britain tournament
- 5 – 8 June: International WNT Invitational Tournament Farnham Park
- TBA – GB WNT first ever appearance in the Women’s Baseball World Cup Qualifiers
