Baseball/Softball Media Center

Jennie Finch and Natasha Watley Earn Roster Spots on 2008 USA Softball Women's National Team

Mizuno Brand Ambassadors Jennie Finch and Natasha Watley were named by the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) to the 2008 USA Softball Women's National Team. The Women's National Team will begin preparation to defend their three gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Team USA begins 'Bound 4 Beijing', a 40-city U.S. Tour in February, giving fans throughout the United States an opportunity to see the team perform.

“Congratulations Jennie and Natasha, Good Luck in Beijing!”

Selection for the Women's National Team took four years, with the final camp held in early September. At that time the field was narrowed from 32 roster spots, down to the final 18 women who will compete for the gold next summer. Three of the 18 members of Team USA will eventually be named alternates. Veteran presence will not be a problem for Team USA, as 12 players were Gold Medalists in 2004 and 15 were on the 2006 World Championship Team.

Pitcher Jennie Finch, two-time World Champion, looks to become a two-time Olympic Champion. Finch has made seven consecutive USA National Teams. In her two appearances at the 2004 Athens Games, Finch recorded 13 strikeouts in 8.0 innings. This summer at the 2007 World Cup of Softball Championships in Oklahoma City, Finch earned a win and a save, not allowing a run over an 11-inning stretch. She also struck out 18 batters, as Team USA finished a perfect 6-0.

Natasha Watley joins the 2008 USA Softball Women's National Team as one of the best shortstops in the world. She is also a seven-time member of the National Team, and is coming off one of her most impressive seasons yet. In 2007, Watley batted .466 with 27 hits, two triples, and scored 21 runs. Watley was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Canada Cup. In the 2004 Athens Games, Watley started in all nine games and hit .400 with a team-best 12 hits. At the 2007 World Cup of Softball, Watley batted an impressive .529 with six runs scored, three RBI, two triples, a home run, and three stolen bases.

The USA Softball Women's National Team had a record of 9-0 at the 2004 Olympic Games. En route to their gold medal performance, they outscored their opponents 51-1. That team set 16 Olympic records, eight of which Team USA previously held. Over the last three Olympic Games, Team USA is 26-4.