Amanda Gianelloni made history as the first-ever signee of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL), and, at the draft, she became a first round pick for the San Francisco franchise. Gianelloni is a veteran of three Women’s Baseball World Cups and a longtime cornerstone of Team USA Baseball. She was also a collegiate powerhouse at Nicholls State, where she earned four years of All-Southland honors, set the program’s all-time RBI record, and was named Southland Conference Freshman of the Year. In 2018, Gianelloni also became the first women’s baseball player to be featured on SportsCenter Top 10 with a layout catch for the double play with USA Baseball. Now at 28, the New Orleans native steps into the WPBL as a proven leader poised to help create the league’s future.

Joely Leguizamon also brings elite defensive instincts and international experience to San Francisco, joining the WPBL from the Dominican Women’s National Baseball team. Leguizamon was a college standout, playing softball at Florida State College at Jacksonville where she hit .377 across her career and led the team in home runs, RBIs, doubles, and stolen bases during her final season. She was a key member of the Dominican Republic squad that competed in the 2018 Women’s Baseball World Cup and the 2019 PanAm Games. With resilience and drive shaped by the unwavering support of her parents, Leguizamon is ready to contribute to San Francisco’s roster in its inaugural season.

Ayami Sato arrives in Los Angeles as one of the most decorated pitchers in the history of women’s baseball. A six-time World Cup gold medalist and three-time MVP, the Japanese ace is best known for her curveball with a spin rate that outperforms many MLB pitchers. In May 2025, she made history and headlines by becoming the first woman to play in Canada’s men’s professional baseball league with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sato’s baseball journey began at age nine, when playing catch with her brother sparked her love for pitching and the spotlight that comes with it — a passion she carried through years of limited opportunities until joining the Japan Women’s Baseball league, originally called the Girls Professional Baseball League, in 2009. Selected second overall, Sato is bringing her elite talent to represent Los Angeles in Springfield this season.

Ashton Lansdell brings years of Team USA experience to the pro stage, having starred in international play since she was 17, even hitting for the cycle at the 2019 Pan-Am Championships. A versatile offensive threat, she’s delivered standout performances across major events — from a .316 World Cup showing in 2023 to starting all five games at third base in 2024. A longtime trailblazer, Lansdell made history in high school as the first female pitcher to compete at 7A level at Georgia’s Wheeler High School as the team earned their first regional title. After transferring to Ole Miss, Lansdell helped the Rebels to their first-ever Women’s College World Series berth. She also showcased her versatility with the Party Animals, an opponent of the Savannah Bananas, and earned a spot as an original member of MLB’s global Derby X tour. Now, Lansdell looks to make history once again as part of Los Angeles’s inaugural WPBL roster.

Hyeonah Kim is a catcher from the Korean National Team, selected fourth overall by Boston after a breakout performance at the 2025 Women’s Baseball Asian Cup. The 25-year-old catcher dominated the tournament with a .409 average, .483 OBP, 15 RBIs, and a perfect 8-for-8 mark on stolen bases — earning Best Scorer honors. A steady presence behind the plate, Kim impressed league evaluators with her defensive leadership and poise. One of only two Korean National Team players in the draft pool, she stunned even herself on draft night, repeating, “My hands are shaking,” as her Boston dream became reality. With her combination of athleticism, speed, and high-impact offense, Kim could be an immediate difference-maker in the WPBL’s inaugural season.

Alli Schroder debuted at just 16 years old for Canada’s Women’s National Baseball Team, pitching against Team USA in the bronze medal game to help Canada capture third at the 2018 World Cup. In 2021, she made history, becoming the first woman to play in the Canadian Collegiate Baseball Conference at Vancouver Island University and competing in high-level tournaments including the All-American Women’s Baseball Classic. Off the field, Schroeder works seasonally as a firefighter unit crew member with the BC Wildfire Service — a career that has helped her learn composure and resilience on the mound. Known for her low-80s fastball and mechanically precise delivery, Schroder combines elite skill with a fearless mentality that makes her a force for Boston.

Denae Benites is a 24-year-old catcher from Las Vegas whose journey has taken her from Little League fields to Team USA and now the WPBL. She’s made her mark internationally since 2019, including posting a .429 average with six RBIs at the 2023 Women’s Baseball World Cup and delivering key hits in the 2024 title game. Off the field, Benites also became a volunteer firefighter and EMT when living in Delaware, allowing her to stay in shape and sharp in all her work. When WPBL organizers called to tell her about league tryouts, it felt surreal for Benites, who said she’s ready to show what she’s got on the diamond — and help create opportunities for more women to play baseball in the future.

Jaida Lee is a rising pitching star from St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 2022, Jaida was the first woman to play in men's baseball at the Canada Games since the event began in 1967. Her first pitch ball went on to become part of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. Since then, she’s played for Team Canada, winning bronze at the 2025 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup. Selected 14th overall in the draft, Lee brings a competitive edge and a polished pitching arsenal as one of North America’s most promising teenage arms. Currently playing at the University of British Columbia, she joins the league ready to continue breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of Canadian female baseball players.