We Speak Baseball

Baseball Without Limits: The Story of Leah Cornish’s All Around Brilliance

Published

5 months ago

July 2, 2025

Leah Cornish is a true utility weapon in the world of baseball, making her mark across multiple teams and continents. Representing Team Australia, the Women’s ABL Brisbane Bandits, the Rockies in Quebec, and the Braves in Western Australia, she brings adaptability, leadership, and elite-level skill to every diamond she steps on. Whether she is pitching, catching, or filling any role her team needs, Leah plays the game with passion, precision, and a fierce competitive spirit. From winning national championships to training year-round with her dad, her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a deep love for baseball. She is not just playing the game, she is helping shape the future of it.

How did you first get started playing?
I started in teeball at age 7. After playing a few seasons of softball, I transitioned into baseball when I was 10.

What position do you play, and what do you love most about it?
I mainly pitch and catch. What I love most about pitching is being in control of the pace of the game. It’s fun and intense. As a catcher, I enjoy being able to see the whole game play out from behind the plate.

Who introduced you to the sport or inspired your passion for the game?
It was a natural progression from teeball. I followed in the footsteps of my two brothers and their friends, and I’ve loved it ever since.

What’s been your most memorable moment on the field so far?
Winning two national championships in Australia—one for Western Australia and another with the Brisbane Bandits.

How has your game evolved since you first started playing?
Playing around the world at a high level has given me exposure to different coaching perspectives and playing styles. It’s helped me grow and refine my game.

What does a typical training week look like for you during the season?
Back home, I train with my dad at least three times a week. I also go to the gym three times a week to stay in shape and build strength.

How do you mentally prepare for games? Any pregame rituals or routines?
I always take a cold shower before games and listen to music to get in the right mindset.

What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve?
Batting and catching. Both take constant reps and focus.

How do you handle slumps or rough stretches during the season?
I break down my performance and reflect on where I can improve. It’s all about learning and adjusting.

Do you play or train year-round, or take time off in the offseason?
I train all year round. There’s no real offseason for me.

What do you value most about being part of your team?
When everyone contributes to the win and genuinely enjoys being around each other—that’s what makes a great team environment.

How do you balance individual performance with team goals?
I always do my best to contribute to the team and make a difference in the game. It’s about playing your role and lifting the team.

Who’s a teammate that inspires or pushes you to be better?
The O’Sullivan sisters. They’re incredibly hardworking, passionate about the game, and super supportive as well.

What’s the toughest team or player you’ve faced, and why?
Team USA—they’re one of the best in the world and incredibly competitive. As for an individual, Claire O’Sullivan stands out. She’s extremely skilled and plays with intensity.

How do you respond to pressure in high-stakes moments?
I feed off the challenge. I take a breath, reset, and have confidence in myself. That mindset helps me stay locked in.

What has the sport taught you about life beyond the field?
Three strikes and you’re out—so you better make the most of your chances.

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
I stay focused, trust the process, and remind myself it’s all part of the experience. The tough moments are where growth happens.

Who is a role model or professional athlete you look up to and why?
Kobe Bryant. His mental and physical preparation was unmatched. His mindset, work ethic, and determination were next level.

What are your goals moving forward in your athletic career?
Stay healthy and injury-free. And hopefully, one day, see women’s baseball become a well-paid professional sport.

If you could give advice to a younger player just starting out, what would it be?
It’s all part of the experience. Work hard, train hard, and play hard.

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We Speak Baseball

Behind the Mask, Beyond the Game: The Grit and Heart That Define Joey Dresch’s Baseball Journey

Published

3 months ago

September 4, 2025

We Speak Media

When you talk about young athletes who embody heart, discipline, and relentless drive, one name that quickly rises to the top is Joey Dresch, a standout catcher and utility player for Menlo-Atherton High School. Joey represents everything you want to see in a competitor: hunger to get better, love for the game, and a fearless spirit that shows up every time he steps onto the field. What makes Joey special isn’t just his skill set, though he has already earned national recognition with an impressive 1.91 Pop Time that landed him on Perfect Game’s Top 10 list. What truly separates him is his mindset, his work ethic, and his willingness to be both a student of the game and a leader among his teammates. From the lessons passed down by his grandfather, a former player scouted by the New York Yankees, to the guidance of elite coaches shaping his craft, Joey has embraced the journey of baseball with maturity and passion far beyond his years. Whether he’s behind the plate controlling the game, shifting into utility roles to help his team win, or putting in long hours in the cages and weight room, Joey Dresch is the kind of athlete who inspires everyone around him to dream bigger, push harder, and never shy away from the challenges that build greatness. His story is not just about baseball, it’s about chasing excellence, rising through adversity, and proving that with faith, determination, and grit, nothing is out of reach.

How did you first get started playing?
My grandpa was a baseball player and he was followed by the Yankees in high school. He taught me how to play baseball when I was 4 years old.

What position do you play, and what do you love most about it?
My favorite position is catcher, but I also play MIF and CF. I love working with my pitchers and being involved in every play. What I love most about catching is throwing out runners.

Who introduced you to the sport or inspired your passion for the game?
Definitely my grandpa. My dad and my grandpa inspire me.

What’s been your most memorable moment on the field so far?
I am just entering high school as a freshman, but I have loved traveling the country with my travel teams and being on Perfect Game’s Top 10 list in the country for my 1.91 Pop Time in 2025.

What does a typical training week look like for you during the season?
My mentors are my hitting coach Tom Paroubeck, catching coach Matt Brown, and high school coach Jordan Paroubeck. My coaches own Hit Club Baseball Academy and I train at their cages for hitting and catching 4 days a week after school. I also love lifting weights when I am not in the cage hitting.

How do you mentally prepare for games? Any pregame rituals or routines?
I listen to music to relax and I go over game plans with my pitchers and coaches in the morning.

What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve?
I work hard with my catching coach, Matt Brown, but I think hitting is more challenging, so I’ve worked harder with my coach Tom Paroubeck.

How do you handle slumps or rough stretches during the season?
I go to the cage to work on improving myself. Sometimes, I will just talk to my coaches and try to receive feedback that will help me get back on track.

Do you play or train year-round, or take time off in the offseason?
During the spring I will play for Menlo Atherton High School, and in the summer and fall I will play for Alpha Prime Travel and Hit Club Baseball Academy locally. In the winter, I rest while lifting weights.

What do you value most about being part of your team?
I love to compete and being a leader. I love playing baseball with my friends.

How do you balance individual performance with team goals?
Baseball has always been team first. My personal achievements are great, but nobody is bigger than the game.

Who’s a teammate that inspires or pushes you to be better?
I push myself to be better.

How do you respond to pressure in high-stakes moments?
I love the pressure, especially when I’m catching. I’m hoping the base runner tries to steal a base. When I’m hitting, I take a deep breath and I’ll take my time outside of the batter’s box to try and slow the game down. It’s me vs. the pitcher. I’m just focusing on each pitch.

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
The challenges of baseball are what drive me. I love to compete and I want to be the best. Baseball is a game of failure and I don’t want to fail.

Who is a role model or professional athlete you look up to and why?
My role model is my grandpa and my dad. As an athlete, I look up to my coaches, Tom, Matt Brown, and Jordan Paroubeck. Jordan was a 2nd round draft pick by the San Diego Padres and he was drafted as an All-American out of high school at Serra High School in San Mateo, California. I want to be like Coach Jordan. He’s my favorite coach.

What are your goals moving forward in your athletic career?
My goal is to play college baseball at the top level. I’m working hard in school to keep my GPA at a 3.9.