USA Women’s National Softball Team Prepares for Down Under Series

The excitement is palpable as the USA Women’s National Softball Team has officially opened its training camp in Oklahoma City. This camp, set to run until Thursday, serves a vital purpose: gearing up for the much-anticipated USA Down Under Series, scheduled for December 31, 2025, to January 3, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia.

Purpose of the Training Camp

This gathering invites athletes from the USA Women’s National Team Pool, alongside those selected for the Down Under Series roster. They will engage in a series of position drills and simulated games aimed at fine-tuning their skills and enhancing team cohesion. This preparation is crucial as the Eagles aim to deliver their best performance on the international stage.

Community Engagement through the Food Drive Scrimmage

In an effort to engage with the local community, the team has also organized a Food Drive Scrimmage, initially slated for Wednesday, November 19, but rescheduled to Tuesday, November 18, due to weather considerations. Taking place at Devon Park at 6 p.m. local time, this open scrimmage will allow fans to attend for free—provided they bring a non-perishable food item as their ticket. This initiative not only supports local food banks but also creates a sense of camaraderie between the athletes and the community.

A Blend of Fresh Talent and Experience

The training camp promises to showcase a harmonious blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Among the attendees, 17 athletes are returning, including six who contributed to the gold medal victory at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China. Four promising athletes from the recent All-Star Showcase at Devon Park will join seasoned players, while four newcomers will enhance the roster, promising an invigorating dynamic during training.

Spotlight on Upcoming Competitions

As the team hones its skills, it’s also preparing for the upcoming USA Down Under: International Softball Series. The event not only aims to promote the sport of softball but also underlines the shared commitment of both the USA and Australia in advocating for softball’s inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic sports programme. The USA, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will compete against Australia in a series of exhibition games set to unfold at Redlands Softball Park in Ormiston, just 30 minutes east of Brisbane.

A Historic Rivalry

The rivalry between the USA and Australia is a storied one, marked by intense competition and thrilling matchups. The upcoming series will evoke memories of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where a gripping 13-inning game saw Australia edge out the USA 2-1, still hailed as one of the most memorable moments in Olympic softball history. This particular game attracted 9,209 fans, setting a record for attendance, and featured a stunning performance by USA legend Lisa Fernandez, who established an Olympic record with 25 strikeouts.

Celebrating Milestones

This series also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the inaugural Women’s Softball World Cup held in 1965 in Melbourne, where Australia similarly triumphed over the USA in the finals with a score of 1-0. Such milestones highlight the rich history and competitive spirit shared between these two softball powerhouses.

Future Aspirations

Looking beyond the Down Under Series, the USA Women’s National Team has set its sights on returning to Australia for the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals. With aspirations to secure their spot at the 2026 Group Stage event in Oklahoma City at Devon Park, the team is determined to continue building on its legacy and competitiveness in international softball.

The training camp and upcoming events promise to be an exciting time for the USA Women’s National Softball Team, blending athletic excellence with community engagement and a celebration of softball heritage.