Oklahoma State University Athletics
Home is where the heart plays: Tia Warsop's journey back to Great Britain
July 17, 2026 | Cowgirl Softball
*This story was written and originally published by the World Baseball Softball Confederation*
For Tia Warsop, representing Great Britain is more than international competition. It is a way of staying connected to the country where she was born, the family she grew up with and the heritage that continues to shape her identity.
Born in Northampton, England, Warsop moved to the United States with her family when she was still a four-year-old child after her father's work took them across the Atlantic. Although her softball journey began in America, her roots have always remained firmly British.
"All my family was born in England, my siblings were born in England too," Warsop said. "We moved to America for my dad's job and started life out there. All my grandparents are still in England, so all my family is still there."
Softball entered her life almost by chance. One of her neighbors encouraged her to join a local recreational team, and what started as a childhood activity quickly became a lifelong passion.
"One of my neighbors was playing and said, 'I think you should join, it'll be fun.' I played on a rec ball team and ever since then I never stopped playing."
That passion eventually led her to Great Britain's national program. When she discovered there was an opportunity to represent the country of her birth, the decision was immediate.
"I've always loved my heritage and loved softball. When I found out about the Great Britain team, I thought, 'I have to play.' Somebody reached out to me and I said yes immediately."
Although she recently obtained USA citizenship for legal reasons, Warsop says representing Great Britain carries a special significance. "It's such an honor because it's where I was born and where I grew up learning. England is where I belong."
That sense of belonging has only strengthened as Great Britain continues its ascent in international softball. The program has steadily established itself among Europe's leading nations, and the current generation believes the Olympic dream is becoming increasingly realistic.
Competing at the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Group Lima 2026 is another important milestone on that journey.
"We play for each other and for our country," Warsop said. "We know we have everyone behind us and we're taking the steps to get to the Olympics. That's our big goal."
Like many elite athletes, Los Angeles 2028 represents the ultimate ambition. But Warsop is determined to keep the team's focus on the present. "The Olympics are a dream for a lot of athletes. We're taking it step by step, making sure we compete here first. Every step brings you closer and closer, and that's an awesome feeling."
One of Great Britain's greatest strengths, she believes, lies in the unique bond shared by a squad whose players are spread across different countries for most of the year.
Unlike many national teams that train together regularly, Britain's players reunite only for international competitions. Yet that limited time together has produced a remarkable chemistry.
"We're from all around and we don't get to be together all the time like a lot of countries," Warsop explained. "But when we come together, we thrive. We have such good chemistry, we all get along so well, and it's a connection you can't describe. It's something different that just works every time."
That atmosphere makes international softball unlike any other experience in her career.
"When you're playing for your country, you're playing for something much bigger. You're playing for the country on your shirt. It feels so good knowing each of us has each other's backs, and we're representing our country together."
Warsop also hopes the visibility of the national team can inspire the next generation and help the sport continue to grow in Great Britain.
"I want it to grow all around the world, especially in Great Britain. It's really awesome to see the growth each year, and I hope we can even play in Great Britain one day."
For young players dreaming of following a similar path, her advice is simple.
"Just keep doing what you love. As long as you love it, you'll always keep going. Never take the love out of it."
