32 – All Women, All Baseball: The WPBL Journey Begins | Denae Benites on USA Baseball and Pro Dreams

All Women, All Baseball: The WPBL Journey Begins

Breaking Ground in Women’s Baseball

All Women, All Baseball: The WPBL Journey Begins spotlights catcher Denae Benites, a leader on the USA Baseball women’s team who is chasing history with the new Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL). Hosted by Lilah “Brickwall” Br4tcher and co-host Ashlynn Jolicouer, this all-women’s baseball episode dives deep into the barriers, breakthroughs, and bold dreams shaping the sport.

From her start playing Little League with the boys to making Team USA at just 17, Denae has always followed her love of baseball. She explains why she never gave in to pressure to play softball and shares a powerful reminder: “You wouldn’t tell Serena Williams to go play table tennis. So why tell us girls that we have to go play softball?”

The Rise of the Women’s Professional Baseball League

The WPBL marks a groundbreaking step forward for women in baseball, with more than 500 athletes from ten countries showing up for its first tryouts. Denae walks listeners through the multi-day event, the international talent she faced, and the excitement of creating a path for future generations. Her passion proves that this league is not just about games—it’s about history, opportunity, and visibility.

For Ashlynn and Lilah, who are both youth players chasing their own dreams, this conversation was more than an interview. It was a chance to hear what it takes to make the leap from high-level amateur play to professional women’s baseball.

Catcher’s Wisdom and Baseball Dreams

As a catcher, Denae stresses the importance of mobility, quickness, and athleticism. She shares her routines, training on hills with weighted vests, and why catchers can’t be underestimated. She also reveals her favorite baseball traditions—from pop times to her lucky Bruce Bolt sleeve.

Fans also get a glimpse into lighter moments, including cereal debates, dream stadiums, and walkout songs. For the record, Denae’s pro walkout choice would be “La Chona”, while her USA hype song is “La Mama De La Mama” by L-Alpha.

Inspiring the Next Generation

This episode is filled with motivation for young players chasing their own path. Denae reminds listeners to train hard, take care of their bodies, and stay focused on development both on and off the field. Most importantly, she emphasizes that having fun and believing in yourself will take you further than doubters ever could.

For more on the history being made, check out USA Baseball’s Women’s National Team. And don’t miss our recent SLIDE Podcast episode on Softball, Superpowers, and Big Banana Ball Dreams featuring Savanna, another young athlete blazing trails.

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