Monica Abbott of Team USA

As everyone knows by now, the Olympics were postponed until this summer. While it is disappointing now, it will only be that much sweeter this summer.

One of the biggest names on Team USA is Monica Abbott. I had the pleasure of watching Monica up close during her time with the Chicago Bandits. Monica is an elite pitcher and an even better person.

While at the University of Tennessee, Monica was 189-34 with a .79 ERA and 2440 strikeouts in 1448 innings pitched. In National Pro Fastpitch action, Monica was 126-41 with a 1.01 ERA and 1626 strikeouts in 1108 innings pitched. On the international stage, Monica is 19-1 with a .59 ERA and 193 strikeouts in 108.2 innings pitched. That is domination on all levels.

Monica has been on Gold medal-winning teams in the ISF World Championships (3), the World Cup of Softball (5), the Pan American Games (2) and the Canada Cup (3). In 2008, Team USA took the Silver medal, which is a major achievement, although a bit of a disappointment for the players. That disappointment fuels the returning players and inspires the newcomers. Nobody wants Gold more than Monica though.

I had the pleasure of talking to Monica about her road to the Olympics. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Monica Abbott of Team USA.

A common sentiment from softball players is to give back. Monica believes strongly in that and she acts upon it through the Monica Abbott Scholarship. Monica's Scholarship Fund is awarded annually to two graduating High School Seniors involved in multiple High School sports to assist with their college tuition.

If you can't tell, I have a great deal of respect and fondness for Monica. It's easy to feel that way about one of the greatest of all time, but I am equally impressed with Monica off the field. That is why I am a #Moniac!

Go to MonicaAbbott.com for more info on Monica and be sure to check out the Monica Abbott Scholarship there. Also, go to TeamUSA.org for all of the news and updates on the 2021 Olympic team.

Monica Abbott and me in Rosemont, IL-June 2019.