Yu-Chien Huang: Carrying lessons from WBSC U-12 Mixed Softball triumph to U-18 World Cup

Chinese Taipei hosted and won both editions of the WBSC U-12 Mixed Softball World Cup. Yu-Chien Huang was part of the 2019 squad that captured the inaugural title. Six years later, she is once again wearing her team's jersey on the global stage - this time at the U-18 level.

“I started playing softball when I was in elementary school. I saw other girls playing, and I wanted to try too,” she said. “At first I played in the outfield, but in fifth grade the coaches noticed my physical build and thought I could pitch. That’s when I started pitching… and here I am.”

Huang quickly made her mark. In 2019 she was the best pitcher of the U-12 tournament, posting a 0.31 ERA. Opponents hit just .043 against her and managed only one run in 16 innings, while she struck out 22 batters.

“I remember the final against Peru. We were behind, but our bats kept going and going… my teammates did a great job,” she recalled. “And then I got the last strikeout to seal the win. It was really difficult.” In that 3-2 comeback victory, Huang threw a no-hitter in the five-inning contest, striking out four with two walks.

Family has been a cornerstone of her journey. “I’m very thankful and grateful to my family for supporting me, even through the ups and downs,” she said. “At some point I thought about giving up, but my family kept encouraging me all the way until now.”

This time in Oklahoma, however, Chinese Taipei’s run has been tougher. After opening the WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup Finals 2025 with a win against Canada, they dropped the next four games. For Huang, it’s been a bit frustrating.

“In Taiwan we played against our senior team during preparation. At first we were far behind, but the more we played them, the more confident we became. I think we were well prepared. But here in Oklahoma maybe there was too much pressure… that’s why we couldn’t play better,” she admitted.

Asked what her team needs to improve, she was candid: “We have to be bolder, more courageous, not afraid. Like the U.S. team or the Japanese team—we want to beat them. But sometimes we are too afraid. We will train harder and we will be stronger next time.”

Looking ahead, Huang dreams of continuing her career in the Chinese Taipei programme. “I would love to represent Chinese Taipei with the senior team,” she said. “In the Olympics or any other event, it would be a privilege for me.”