TOKYO, Japan (October 4, 2024) — The USA Softball of Southern California (SoCal) U-18 Women’s All-Star Team has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, ahead of the 2024 LA x Tokyo Exchange Event, set for October 5-6. The SoCal squad is gearing up to face Metro Tokyo Softball in a three-game series, marking the first round of a two-part exchange, with the second round scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, California, in 2025.
This highly anticipated event is particularly significant as it celebrates softball’s return to the LA28 Olympic Games. The LA x Tokyo Exchange Event will offer these talented young athletes a chance to compete at an international level, while also strengthening the connection between the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the upcoming LA28 Games.
Game Schedule:
- Game 1: Saturday, October 5 at 4:30 p.m. JST (2:30 a.m. CT / 12:30 a.m. PDT)
- Games 2 & 3: Sunday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. JST (8:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. PDT)
Due to live streaming restrictions in Japan, USA Softball will not be able to provide live broadcasts for this event. However, live stats will be available, and fans can follow the SoCal U-18 Women’s All-Star Team on GameChanger for real-time updates.
Through the 2024 Region 10 High Performance Program (HPP) Identifier in Irvine, California, USA Softball of SoCal has assembled an elite team of U-18 athletes from Southern California. Notably, Camrynn Gordon, a top performer at the 2023 National Selection Event, is part of this exceptional roster. This marks the first time an HPP team has advanced to an international contest at the grassroots level, reflecting the program’s growing impact since its inception in 2020.
Leading the team is AJ Robinson, head coach of the Cal State-San Marcos softball program. Robinson is joined by two members of the 2020 U.S. Olympic silver medal squad, Ali Aguilar and Rachel Garcia. These Olympians bring invaluable experience and expertise, providing the SoCal All-Star team with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game.
The LA x Tokyo Exchange Event will bring together the No. 1 and No. 2 world-ranked softball programs — following the thrilling competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and marking a milestone for softball’s return to the LA28 Olympics.