The 2020 Olympics have been postponed until 2021. As I have previously written, I am looking forward to seeing the Team USA softball squad, most of whom I know from National Pro Fastpitch. One of those players is Delaney Spaulding, who plays for my hometown Chicago Bandits.
A native of California, Delaney was a star at UCLA. She was a two-time NFCA Second Team All-American and a three-time First Team All-Pac-12 selection. For her career, she hit .369, with 61 HRs, 229 RBIs, 238 R and 37 SBs.
On the international stage, she was a two-time WBSC Women's World Championship Gold Medalist. She was also a two-time World Cup of Softball Silver Medalist. Last year, Delaney was chosen for the roster of the 2020 Olympics.
Delaney has stated how happy and humbled she is to be part of the team. Like so many of the other softball players, Delaney also said she does so for the little girls. I am not a little girl, but I appreciate Delaney for all she has done. I have seen firsthand how much she and the other players mean to younger girls (and boys, too).
Delaney's Team USA commitments limited her time with the Bandits, but she made an impact when she was here. I had the pleasure of interviewing her in 2018. That can be found at On the Beat With Delaney Spaulding. Delaney is a mature, fun, thoughtful person and an elite athlete.
The Olympics take place in July 2021. I'll be glued to my television for the softball games. I'll be looking for Delaney and all of my other softball friends.
Delaney Spaulding and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2018.
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