TAMPA, Fla. October 16, 2023 – The LA28 Organizing Committee and International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted for the addition of five sports to the 2028 Olympic Sport Program, including softball. The University of South Florida softball program will get a taste of international competition as they host the Puerto Rican National Team on Monday, October 23 at 6 p.m. in the USF Softball Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public.
“As many had thought that the inclusion of baseball and softball for LA should have been a “no brainer” in essence the hard work put in by many behind the scenes has paid off,” said Head Coach Ken Eriksen. “I know for a fact that USA softball has been at the forefront of this as was Japan for the Tokyo games. For the sport of softball, this is another chance to show the world that women play a game that has skill sets above many team sports. I look forward to cheering on the Red, White, and Blue in their journey to 2028.”
The last time softball was an Olympic sport was in 2020 in Tokyo and Ken Eriksen was the head coach. Now, Coach Eriksen is getting his team ready for their first international opponent since hosting Team Japan in 2019.
“We are delighted that baseball and softball have been confirmed as part of the sports program at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 by the IOC Session,” said World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President, Riccardo Fraccari. “The WBSC firmly believes that baseball and softball will help millions of fans engage with the Olympic Games, especially with USA being home to many of the sports’ best players and biggest stars from across the world. It is going to be an electric atmosphere in LA where the best baseball and softball athletes in the world will have the opportunity to play on the biggest stage in front of a global audience of billions.”
In seven days, the 2023-24 South Florida softball team will welcome the Puerto Rican National Team. Puerto Rico will have a few familiar faces on their side, including the AAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Kathy Garcia-Soto. USF’s Pitching Coach Karla Claudio Rivera and sophomore catcher Camille Ortiz-Martinez will also be in Puerto Rico’s dugout.
During the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup this past summer, Team Puerto Rico punched their ticket to the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals in 2024 and claimed the No. 3 ranking in the world.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
