NFL
By: Zachary Draves
When it comes to success, sustainability, and skill, USA Softball is superb.
They’ve won nine Softball World Cups, three Olympic gold medals, and eleven World Championships including a run of seven consecutive titles from 1974-2010.
Now they are back on the field to do what they do best and setting their sights on the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
After a year of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the subsequent shutdown of sports, the players are excited that the games are back on and recently played a series of exhibition games in Florida against some of the best at the international and collegiate level as part of their Stand Beside Her Tour
During a three-game series with Mexico from March 8-10, the USA team steamrolled their way to a three-game sweep.
They did the same in the following series against the University of South Florida from March 12-14 which included a nine strikeout no-hitter by Keilani Ricketts of San Jose, California.
If that isn’t an indication of eventual Olympic glory, I don’t know what does.
Three players Monica Abbott, Amanda Chidester, and Michelle Moultrie spoke about the current state of the team, their hopes for the Olympics, and what it means to be an athlete using their platform for social justice.
Monica Abbott
From the sun shining sea to the sun shining sea, Monica Abbott maintains hope and determination.
(Courtesy: NPR)
Monica, a left-handed pitcher from Santa Cruz, California, is looking at the bright side of things as it relates to COVID and its impact on the team’s ability to play.
(Courtesy: Team USA)
“It has been really good with the team as far as COVID goes. It has brought a really cool component” she said.
“Getting games in has been different with COVID but it has been great to be able to come together.”
She is also very excited for Tokyo this summer and has first-hand experience of softball in Japan having played in their professional league at one point.
(Courtesy: NPR)
Even as the games are back on there are still some restrictions such as the fact that outside visitors won’t be permitted to see the games in person which Monica sees as a double edge sword.
“I have mixed feelings about it” she said.
“I am grateful that the Olympics are happening. It makes me grateful we are gonna play and it is unfortunate that they are not having fans and unfortunate people won’t see it in person.”
On the social justice front, Monica is committed to speaking truth to power.
She was one of the members of the historic This is Us Softball team, a collection of some of America’s best players coming together to use their season as a platform for social justice activism.
For Monica, that spirit will carry with her into Tokyo and beyond.
“It is about creating awareness on different social injustices and to bridge the gap between sport and society.”
She also called out the NCAA for their gender inequities when it came to amenities and resources for women’s sports teams that were on full display during the NCAA tournament.
“Finally, they are being called out” she said.
“When they are put together in a gym that quickly, how much of an effort are they putting in?”
When it comes to being a whole person, Monica Abbott is on top of her game.
Amanda Chidester
Hailing from the heartland and holding it down from behind home plate is none other than Amanda Chidester.
(Courtesy: Youtube)
She celebrates the great spot the team is in and is creating a united front.
“We are moving forward in the right direction” she said.
“Getting to know each other and creating that bond and having the same team for the last few years helps.”
(Courtesy: Team USA)
She also spoke of the importance of figuring out how to utilize each other’s strengths and building each other up.
Amanda is also looking forward to the Olympics and the power it has to bring people together.
“Once we get onto the field it is the same game” she said.
“It unites people and I am excited that the Olympics are still happening.”
(Courtesy: Team USA)
Specifically, she is all about the basics.
“Competing and coming together. There have been so many emotions” she said.
“This is going to be one of those moments. I am so excited to see all these athletes all over the world and getting on that field.”
Amanda is going in super focused and with a super-consciousness stemming from being a member of This is Us Softball.
But she is more about actions than words.
“I think that it is one thing to say things and then to take action” she says.
“Speak out and I hope there is action.”
Amanda is also adamant about what the future will hold for a society based on those action steps.
The best of sports is embodied in Amanda Chidester and the best is yet to come.
Michelle Moultrie
Being able to play among the best and begin the journey to Olympic glory in her home state has to be a full-circle moment for Michelle Moultrie.
(Courtesy: Athletes Unlimited)
The left-handed outfielder based out of Jacksonville, Florida also has that strong optimism and commitment to honing her craft.
“I am feeling really good in the lead up to the Olympics” she said.
“I am very thankful to be in training camps and to be practicing.”
(Courtesy: Team USA)
Michelle recognizes the crucial component of having that united front when it comes to those pressure-packed situations on the field.
That comradely is what she and her teammates hold on to as they strive for excellence in Tokyo.
(Courtesy: National Fastpitch Coaches Association)
“I think we are trying to prepare for anything” she said.
“There is a lot to prepare for and prepare for every situation.”
When it comes to the issue of not having fans present during the games, Michelle has that same double edge sword mentality.
“The fans add to the experience, but we can still have a good experience.”
On the social justice front, Michelle sees the beauty in people speaking up and letting athletes decide for themselves on the matter.
“It is always great for people to speak their opinion and it is a personal decision for the athlete” she said.
“It is a good deal.”
With her eye on the ball and a determination to do what it takes to win, Michelle Moultrie is at the right place at the right time.
What to Look For
All three of these players embody the true essence of the Olympic spirit in every way imaginable.
They are crucial to the eventual glory you can expect to see from Team USA Softball this summer and beyond.
History speaks for itself and has proven the success of this team that is only going to continue to grow.
All about going for the gold and that’s that.
To follow the team, here is their schedule https://www.teamusa.org/usa-softball/events?pg=2
