I still remember the feeling of sliding into home plate, stopping a line drive to end the inning and losing my voice from the cheering. Softball was a big part of my childhood, and participation in the sport helped shaped me into the person I am today.
I remember watching games on television and looking up to stars like Jennie Finch and Lisa Fernandez who both competed in the Olympics. But in 2008, softball was removed from the Olympics and any young softball player with gold medal dreams had them cut short.
Now, 12 years later, it is making its comeback in the 2020 Olympics due to the popularity of the sport in Japan.
The 2020 USA team consists of 15 players and three replacements. They are set to play this July in Fukushima and Yokohama, Japan with head coach Ken Eriksen.
A total of five countries will compete alongside Team USA: Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia and Italy.
Softball making its return to the Olympics is bigger than most might think. Beyond the potential for medals, it gives the younger generation of girls something to work for, especially with softball currently stopping after the college level. Growing up, I looked up to Olympic players and now these young girls will have those role models too.
Women in Baseball 