NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Division I softball is providing a training ground this season for players preparing for the 2021 Summer Olympics in Japan.
UCLA's Rachel Garcia and Bubba Nickles and Arizona's Dejah Mulipola are among 18 players fighting for 15 spots on the U.S. squad that will go to Tokyo. Oklahoma’s Nicole Mendes and North Carolina State’s Tatyana Forbes will play for Mexico, their schools said. Washington’s Gabbie Plain is a finalist for a slot on Australia’s team.
During Olympic years, Team USA’s college players who are finalists for the Olympic squad usually travel the country playing with the national team.