Women's Softball World Cup Finals: Ready for Takeoff

The head coaches and captains of the eight National Teams participating in the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals attended the pre-tournament press conference at the Blue Energy Stadium, Italian soccer Serie A Udinese home venue, on Sunday.

WBSC Secretary-General Beng Choo Low opened the event on behalf of President Riccardo Fraccari. "We are thrilled about the best players taking the field for our premium women's softball event. The World Cup has the potential to boost the visibility of our sport. Our minds are to the Los Angeles Olympic Games, but we are working every day to put softball not only on the Olympic programme, but also in the Continental Games."

The WBSC Secretary-General also thanked the Italian Basebal Softball Federation (FIBS) for the impressive organizing effort.

The eight head coaches took the stage first. World No. 1 USA are the favourites in Group A.
"As the United States National Team, we are aware of the expectations," head coach Heather Tarr commented. "We are aware we are one of the best teams, but we are fully aware we are playing the best of the best."

Tarr commented also on the likeliness of a USA-Japan final: "We will do our best to make this happen. But let me say that as a Washington State girl I could have never have dreamed to coach at this level. My expectations are enjoying this opportunity and putting my players in the condition to do their best."

World No. 3 Japan is the favourite in Group B. "Of course I cannot tell you who will win," said head coach Reika Utsugi. "What I believe is required from someone in my position is to lead the team to the final."

Puerto Rico has been one of the most improved teams in the WBSC/KONAMI Women's Softball World Ranking and have reached No. 2. According to head coach David Santos, it's no surprise. "This team is the product of a 20-year programme. We have done massive development work and it's paying dividends."

The head coaches of World No. 10 Australia and No. 8 the Netherlands do not feel like Group B's race for the Super Round is limited to a Japan-Puerto Rico affair.

"I'm sure every coach here would like his players to contradict these expectations," said Australia's Laing Harrow. "We will chase one goal at a time. For now, our goal is to head to the Super Round."

Ferenc Jongejan said the Netherlands are looking at a bigger picture and are eying the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. "Playing in the World Cup gives us a good chance to see at what point we are."

World No. 5 Canada and No. 6 Italy will fight in Group A for a spot in the Super Round behind USA.

"We have made changes from the Olympic bronze medal team," said Canada's head coach, Kaleigh Rafter, the starting catcher in Tokyo. "We have an interesting mix of youth and experience and feel ready to compete."

Italy's Federico Pizzolini knows the task: "Finishing in the top two spots will be difficult. We are facing the best in the world. Still, I'm sure facing Italy will also be difficult."

World No. 17 China doesn't feel like the underdog. "We are improving quickly," said head coach Chang Dong Tang. "We will do our best to advance to the Super Round."

USA captain Ally Carda described the preparation process. The United States put together two impressive teams. One played an All-Star Series against Japan, and the national team will now defend the Title of World Champion. "It was a privilege to prepare together with so many talented players. I think we are in the best position possible."

Canada also invested time and energy in the preparation for the World Cup. "We are counting 40 days together," said captain Kelsey Harshaw. "The team did very well at the Canada Cup, bringing home the trophy."

Italy's captain Giulia Longhi agrees with her coach: "Facing Italy will be difficult for every team. Playing the World Cup on home soil makes us very proud. We will give all we have on the field."

China's Kai Lin Xi answered a question about the status of women's softball in China. "A lot of girls born after the year 2000 started playing softball in China. I'm confident that this group will fully mature in time for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games."

Japan's captain, Kyoto Ishikawa, spoke about her team's strength: "Nothing changed, even if we have many younger players. We still rely on speed and attitude in defence and offence."

Puerto Rico's captain, Karla Claudio, echoed the thoughts of her head coach. "Some of these players have been together for 18 years. When we played the 2018 World Cup in Chiba, we aimed to finish in the top five. We succeeded, and now we want more."

Australia's iconic captain, Clare Warwick, said chemistry will help Australia. "We have worked a lot together. We tried to improve in every aspect of the game. We became a very united group, and we will compete."

Dutch captain Suka Van Gurp also believes her team will compete. "We proved last year we can compete against everybody. We are confident we can repeat ourselves here."

The Mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice De Toni, said he was thrilled to learn more about softball, especially the differences to baseball. "I can guarantee that I can't wait to attend the final and see the best in the world help me complete this learning experience."

The Women's Softball World Cup Finals will open on Monday, July 15, in Castions di Strada, Italy. All times are local.