Naomi Ryan Shares Journey from Little League to Team USA

USA Baseball Women's National Team athlete discusses her path and giving back to the next generation.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Naomi Ryan, a member of the USA Baseball Women's National Team since 2023, reflects on her journey from playing Little League as a child to representing her country on the international stage. Ryan discusses the importance of being a multi-sport athlete, inspiring young girls who look like her, and giving back through youth clinics and camps.

Why it matters

Ryan's story highlights the growing opportunities for female athletes in baseball and the impact that representation and mentorship can have on the next generation. As more girls and women participate in the sport, Ryan's experiences provide valuable insights and inspiration.

The details

After playing Little League and varsity baseball in high school, Ryan made her debut for the USA Baseball Women's National Team in 2023. She has since made significant contributions, including being named to the all-tournament team as a first baseman in 2024 and adding two RBIs in the Gold Medal game against Japan. Off the field, Ryan works to increase youth participation in baseball, partnering with community centers and youth leagues, and recently co-hosted a Homegrown Baseball Clinic in her hometown with Hall of Famer Billy Wagner.

  • Ryan made her debut for the USA Baseball Women's National Team in 2023.
  • Ryan was named to the all-tournament team as a first baseman in 2024.
  • Ryan added two RBIs in the Gold Medal game against Japan in 2024.

The players

Naomi Ryan

A member of the USA Baseball Women's National Team since 2023, Ryan has played a key role in growing the game and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.

Billy Wagner

A Hall of Fame baseball player who co-hosted a Homegrown Baseball Clinic with Ryan in her hometown.

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What they’re saying

“I was always at the field practicing with my brother. Since I was 10 years old, playing catch with him or hitting in the cages with him. Those experiences built up and really fortified that I wanted to play baseball.”

— Naomi Ryan (littleleague.org)

“Now I think it's important to give back and be an advocate for others, because I want to be able to inspire and show people that they can do whatever they want to do.”

— Naomi Ryan (littleleague.org)

What’s next

Ryan plans to continue her work with USA Baseball and community organizations to further grow the game of baseball, especially among young girls and underrepresented communities.

The takeaway

Naomi Ryan's journey from Little League to the USA Baseball Women's National Team demonstrates the power of representation and mentorship in inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Her dedication to giving back and increasing youth participation in baseball is a testament to her passion for the sport and her desire to create more opportunities for girls and women.