The Title Run You’re Missing: Why You Should Be Watching Team USA Softball

Right now, the Little League World Series has America’s attention — and rightfully so. But halfway across the globe, the best softball players in the world are wearing “USA” across their chests, chasing yet another gold medal… and most people don’t even know it’s happening.

The U.S. Women’s National Softball Team is in Chengdu, China for the 2025 World Games, and they are everything you want in a national team: consistent, relentless, and absolutely elite. They’re adding to one of the most ridiculous winning streaks in international sports — and they’re doing it with almost no spotlight.

The Road to Chengdu

Earlier this month, Team USA landed in Chengdu ready to handle business. The World Games aren’t spread out over months — they’re a sprint. The best teams in the world, packed into a week, every game carrying real weight.

So far, Team USA has posted a 4–0 shutout over Chinese Taipei, a decisive win over China, and a beat down on the Netherlands, one of Europe’s strongest softball programs. It’s been all gas, no brakes since the first pitch of game one.

Here’s the reality: this team is one of the best in the world at what they do. Their record proves it. Their medals prove it. And still, unless you’re already in the softball world, you might not even know they’re competing right now.

It’s not the Olympics, so the TV slots and headlines aren’t there. But the level of play and the stakes are every bit as high. Every time this team takes the field, they’re adding to a legacy most sports programs would kill to have.

What Team USA Softball Represents

Since becoming the sport’s National Governing Body in 1978, USA Softball has built a culture of winning and growth. The Women’s National Team is the crown jewel — an example of what happens when elite talent, relentless work, and national pride collide.

They’re not just medal collectors. They’re mentors —  running clinics, speaking to young athletes, and showing the next generation exactly what it looks like to compete for your country.

2025 U.S. Women’s National Team Roster

Pitchers

• Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.) – Tennessee alum, Olympic medalist
• Ally Carda (Elk Grove, Calif.) – UCLA alum, two-way veteran
• Megan Faraimo (Vista, Calif.) – UCLA alum, WCWS champion
• Kathryn Sandercock (McLean, Va.) – Florida State alum, AU Softball standout

Catchers

• Aubree Munro (Brea, Calif.) – Florida alum, Olympic medalist
• Dejah Mulipola (Garden Grove, Calif.) – Arizona alum, AU star

Infielders

• Kelsey Stewart (Wichita, Kan.) – Florida alum, Olympic medalist
• Hannah Flippen (San Diego, Calif.) – Utah alum, multi-time gold medalist
• Sis Bates (Coto de Caza, Calif.) – Washington alum, defensive star
• Aubrey Leach (The Woodlands, Texas) – Tennessee alum, AUSL player

Outfielders

• Haylie McCleney (Morris, Ala.) – Alabama alum, Team USA captain
• Aliyah Andrews (Oldsmar, Fla.) – LSU alum, defensive highlight machine
• Bubba Nickles (Merced, Calif.) – UCLA alum, Olympic medalist
• Janae Jefferson (Humble, Texas) – Texas alum, contact hitter

Utility

• Michelle Moultrie (Jacksonville, Fla.) – Florida alum, veteran leader

This is experience meeting raw talent. Olympic veterans alongside the game’s rising stars — and every single one of them capable of changing a game.

The Track Record

Since softball’s Olympic debut in 1996, Team USA has medaled every single time — gold in ’96, ’00, and ’04; silver in ’08 and ’20. They’ve won 11 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cups, multiple Pan Am golds, and have a reputation that forces every opponent to bring their best.

And then there’s the World Games.

Untouchable at the World Games

• Three appearances (2012, 2018, 2022)
• Three gold medals
• Perfect 18–0 record

In 2022, they went 5–0 in Birmingham, Alabama, and took down Japan 3–2 in the gold medal game. It’s quite literally decades of dominance.

Now in Chengdu, they’re chasing gold number four. And if history is any indication, silver won’t cut it. 

Aubrey Leach’s Story

From The Woodlands, Texas, Leach was a two-time NFCA All-American at Tennessee, a top-five name in almost every offensive category in program history.In 2025, she landed a spot on USA Softball’s Board of Directors and made the USA Softball All-Star Showcase roster. Her softball roots run deep — her grandmother played for the legendary Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Now she is competing as an alternate with Team USA, and she’s honored.

"It's an incredible opportunity. I kinda pinch myself every time I get to put on the uniform and wear the USA letters."

Why You Should Be Watching

This isn’t just about softball. It’s about seeing the very best at their craft, representing the country, and chasing a standard they set for themselves years ago.

Every win in Chengdu is another brick in the foundation they’ve been building for decades. They’ve proven time and time again that they’re elite, but they deserve more than quiet acknowledgment from those already in the know.

Hear me when I say this — If you care about competition, about athletes who carry themselves with pride and back it up with results, you should be watching.

Because whether it’s on the front page or not, Team USA Softball is out here making history — and history is a lot better when you witness it.