Olympians lead national teams at WBSC Junior Women’s Softball World Championship

Post date: Aug 18, 2017 8:48:41 PM

CLEARWATER, FL, USA – The WBSC Junior Women’s Softball World Championship features athletes 19 and under, but it still has an Olympic connection. With baseball and softball now on the Olympic programme beginning in Tokyo in 2020, these athletes potentially could be there to represent their country.

However, three national teams here at this youth championship already have Olympic experience.  Japan, Netherlands, and USA all have Olympians leading their teams.

Japan’s coaching staff features Rie Sato (2004, 2008), Haruka Saito (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008), and Mika Someya (2004, 2008) each with Olympic experience. Netherlands’ head coach Saskia Kosterink played outfield for the Dutch at the 2008 Beijing Games, while United States is led by four-time medallist Laura Berg, while Natasha Watley (2004, 2008) is an assistant coach.

The WBSC is proud that softball Olympians continue to give back to the sport they love to develop the next generation of elite athletes and be role models.

To follow all the action of the Junior Women’s Softball World Championship, visit WBSC.org.