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Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, U.S. Women’s National Team infielder Jessi Warren has announced that she is stepping away from USA Softball and international competition.

Reflecting on her time with the program, Warren shared that the past two and a half years exceeded anything she could have imagined. Representing the United States, she said, was a lifelong dream, and wearing the national team jersey was an honor she treated with deep respect. Every moment, she noted, carried real meaning for her.

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Публикация от Jessica Warren (@_jessiwarren_)

Breakout Performances on the World Stage

Warren began her international career in 2024 and quickly made her presence felt, helping the U.S. squad earn a silver medal at the WBSC World Cup Finals. In her first appearance with Team USA, she led the offense with a .444 batting average and six runs batted in, earning top RBI honors and a place on the All-World Team.

After the 2024 campaign, she was named a semifinalist for the AAU James E. Sullivan Award, recognizing elite American athletes for competitive excellence, leadership, character, and sportsmanship. In her second season, Warren was part of the undefeated gold medal team at The World Games 2025, where she recorded a .273 average, along with a home run, two RBI, and one run scored.

Consistency and Impact at Third Base

Widely regarded as one of the top third basemen in the game, Warren appeared in 11 games over her two-year stretch with Team USA. Across 32 plate appearances, the former Florida State standout posted a .379 batting average, making a steady and meaningful impact whenever she took the field in international competition.

Looking back, Warren said she is proud of what this chapter of her career gave her and deeply grateful for the teammates she stood beside and the trust placed in her. While she will not be competing for the United States in 2028, she explained that her dreams have not disappeared—only taken on a new form. She looks forward to supporting the program from the stands, cheering on her friends with the same pride and passion she has always felt.

Continuing Her Professional Career

Warren’s influence extends well beyond the national team. She recently completed the inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League with the Volts and has been part of the Athletes Unlimited organization since 2020. Earlier in her professional career, she also competed in the National Pro Fastpitch league with the USSSA Pride.

She is set to continue her AUSL journey in 2026, joining the OKC Spark for the upcoming season as she transitions into the next phase of her professional career.

After an outstanding showing at The World Games 2025, U.S. Women’s National Team standout Tiare Jennings has been nominated for World Games Athlete of the Year. She is one of 30 athletes selected as finalists for this prestigious international honor.

Fan Voting Schedule and Format

Public voting opens on January 12 and runs through February 2. In each voting session, fans must choose two athletes: their top choice receives two votes, and their second choice receives one vote. Ballots that list only one athlete are not counted.

At the midpoint of the voting period, the field will be narrowed to the top 10 candidates, who will advance to the final round. All vote totals will reset at that stage, and voting will continue among the remaining finalists.

MVP Performance at The World Games 2025

Jennings delivered one of the tournament’s most impressive performances, recording five RBIs, seven runs scored, eight hits, and two home runs on the way to a gold medal and earning MVP honors in the softball competition.

The U.S. team finished the tournament undefeated with a 5–0 record, earning victories over Chinese Taipei (twice), the Netherlands, China, and Japan to secure the championship. Jennings played a decisive role in the semifinal win over top-ranked Japan, a victory that sent the U.S. into the gold medal game. She launched a two-run home run in the first inning and later crossed the plate on a walk-off single with the bases loaded to seal the win.

In the final against Chinese Taipei, the U.S. completed its title run. Across five games, Jennings led the tournament in hits, runs scored, and at-bats, finishing with a .400 batting average.

About the Athlete of the Year Award

The World Games Athlete of the Year Award honors athletes whose performances elevate both their sport and the overall profile of the Games. The top three finishers receive trophies, prize awards, and international promotional recognition for their achievements.

Voting Guidelines

Voting is limited to one session per person every 24 hours.
Each session must include two selections:
First choice: 2 votes
Second choice: 1 vote

Only ballots with two candidates are valid.
After the mid-campaign cutoff, only the top 10 athletes will remain in contention, and all vote totals will reset for the final round.
Vote counts are updated in real time throughout the campaign.
All participants are expected to follow principles of fair play, and the voting process is monitored for irregular activity.

USA Softball has announced a new partnership with Honig’s, naming the company its exclusive provider of umpire gear. With more than four decades of experience, Honig’s will supply premium equipment, protective gear, and apparel for officials across the sport.

According to USA Softball leadership, umpires play a critical role in protecting the integrity of the game, and this partnership reflects a commitment to supporting officials at every level. Honig’s reputation for product quality and dependable service closely aligns with the organization’s goal of equipping umpires with the best tools to perform at the highest standard.

New Home for Official Umpire Apparel

As part of the transition, official umpire apparel will now be available exclusively through Honig’s online store. The new platform is designed to be simple and secure, offering a fast and convenient shopping experience for USA Softball umpires nationwide.

One-Stop Shop for USA Softball Officials

Whether preparing for a national championship or outfitting for local league games, officials will find everything they need in one place. From uniforms to protective equipment, Honig’s will serve as the primary destination for all official USA Softball umpire gear.

Built for Every Level of the Game

Through Honig’s, umpires will have access to gear that meets USA Softball standards and is trusted throughout the sport. The product lineup is designed to support every stage of competition, from recreational play to the highest levels of elite softball.

The U.S. Women’s National Team capped off the 2025 USA Down Under Series in dominant fashion, completing a perfect 4–0 run with an 8–0 victory in five innings. Alyssa Brito delivered the only multi-hit performance of the game, going 2-for-2, and was one of four players to record a double alongside Coffel, Jennings, and Flippen. Brito and Sierra Sacco also each launched their second home run of the series, adding to the offensive surge. In the circle, Megan Faraimo and Karlyn Pickens combined for seven strikeouts while allowing just one hit.

Big Innings Break the Game Open

After a scoreless first inning, the offense came alive in the second when Jennings opened the frame with a double and later scored on Kayla Kowalik’s RBI to give the U.S. a 1–0 lead. In the third, back-to-back doubles from Coffel and Flippen added two more runs, pushing the advantage to 3–0. Brito followed with a three-run home run to center, stretching the lead to 6–0.

Sacco started the fourth with a solo shot, and Brito drove in the final run in the fifth with a double to right. Pickens closed the door in the bottom of the inning, striking out all three batters she faced to secure the run-rule victory.

Series Sweep Fueled by Elite Offense and Pitching

The Eagles dominated the series from start to finish, outscoring Australia 38–0 while posting a .340 team batting average. All four wins came by run rule, as the lineup produced 32 hits and 36 RBIs across the series.

Brito led all hitters with a .714 average, followed by Flippen at .556, Aubrey Leach at .500, and Morgan Zerkle at .375. The team hit five home runs overall, with two each from Brito and Sacco and one from Flippen.

In the pitching circle, Faraimo, Montana Fouts, Kelly Maxwell, and Pickens combined for 38 strikeouts, surrendering no runs and just two hits over 21 innings. Fouts led the staff with 14 strikeouts, followed by Maxwell with nine, Pickens with eight, and Faraimo with seven, completing a flawless team performance on both sides of the ball.

The 2025 USA Softball High Performance Program (HPP) National Selection Event has officially kicked off in Vero Beach, Florida, with more than 400 athletes from across the country competing for a chance to join a Junior Women’s National Team roster. The event runs from December 4–7 and showcases the nation’s most talented young players.

A Milestone Moment for Rising Stars

“The athletes participating this week have reached an incredible milestone in their softball journeys,” said USA Softball Chief Sport Development and Performance Officer, Chris Sebren. “After advancing from local identifiers, they’ve arrived in Florida to compete against the nation’s best. This is their chance to stand out as Top Performers and earn a spot on a Junior Women’s National Team roster—a challenge that demands their very best.”

Pathway to the National Team

Over the past year, select athletes advanced through local HPP Identifiers to earn invitations to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. There, they participate in on-field evaluations and scrimmages with the goal of being named a 2025 Top Performer. Along with additional athletes identified by the Junior Women’s National Team Selection Committee, USA Softball will select rosters for upcoming domestic and international competitions, including the WBSC U-18 Women’s World Cup Group Stage Event and a Top Performers Camp in Oklahoma City in June.

Event Highlights and Notable Attendees

The event features athletes from 44 states across six age groups: 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, and 17U. Highlights include seminars led by current and former Women’s National Team members and coaches. Attendees include WNT athletes Sis Bates, Ally Carda, Erin Coffel, Taylor Edwards, Bri Ellis, Sam Fischer, Haylie McCleney, Michelle Moultrie, and Gwen Svekis, as well as Men’s National Team representative Nick Mullins. Central Florida standout Christian Bernabe and professional players Silent Rain Espinoza and Kayla Wedl will also be on site.

Follow the Action Online

Fans can watch the event live via HiCast with multiple streaming options:

• 7-Day Pass: $19.99 (auto-cancels after 7 days)
• Monthly Single-User Pass: $19.99 (auto-renews, cancel anytime)
• Family Monthly Pass (up to 4 members): $29.99 (auto-renews, cancel anytime)

Live stats are available through GameChanger, providing real-time updates for all games.

About the High Performance Program

Created in 2020, the HPP identifies and develops athletes to train, compete, and represent USA Softball in domestic and international competitions. It serves as a pathway for rising talent to reach the highest levels of the sport.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced its annual awards for the 2022–2025 seasons, recognizing two USA Softball representatives: U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Patty Gasso and umpire Mike Burwell. Gasso was named the 2025 WBSC Softball Coach of the Year, while Burwell earned the 2023 Umpire of the Year award. Gasso is the only USA Softball member among this year’s honorees and one of three award recipients from the United States, alongside USA Baseball’s Coleman Borthwick (Baseball Player of the Year) and Rick Eckstein (Baseball Coach of the Year).

The announcement concluded the 6th WBSC Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, which featured a Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony celebrating the achievements of players, coaches, umpires, and scorers from 2022–2025. Delegates, officials, and guests from around the world gathered to honor excellence in international baseball and softball.

Patty Gasso – 2025 Softball Coach of the Year

Patty Gasso, head coach at the University of Oklahoma, completed her first season leading the U.S. Women’s National Team by guiding the Eagles to an undefeated 5–0 record and a gold medal at The World Games 2025. Throughout the year, she also hosted multiple training camps for WNT athletes, including the USA Softball All-Star Showcase, featuring 40 of the nation’s top collegiate and professional players.

“I am honored to be selected as the WBSC Coach of the Year,” said Gasso. “Leading this program has been an incredible learning experience. Our athletes showed tremendous determination and passion at The World Games on the way to winning gold, and I’m proud to be part of their journey. I’m excited for what lies ahead as we look toward 2026.”

Mike Burwell – 2023 Umpire of the Year

Mike Burwell, a native of Granville, Ohio, serves as USA Softball’s Deputy Director of Umpires for the Eastern Territory (Regions 1 and 2), a position he has held since 2024. He began his umpiring career with USA Softball in 2007 and has worked 18 National Championships, including four GOLD Nationals and six Men’s Major events, along with three Junior Olympic Cups and an Alliance Championship. A WBSC-licensed umpire since 2017, Burwell has officiated five international events, including two U-18 Men’s World Cups, two Men’s World Cups, and the 2019 Pan American Games.

Burwell has also officiated in NCAA competitions, appearing at four Big Ten and three Big 12 Championships, eight Regionals, seven Super Regionals, and two Women’s College World Series (2022, 2023). Recently retired after 32 years with the Columbus Division of Fire, he enjoys family life with his wife Tresha, their three sons, and two grandsons.

“Receiving an award like this reflects the support of many people and organizations,” Burwell said. “I am grateful for the encouragement of my faith, family, friends, and mentors. USA Softball has provided a path for its umpires to succeed, and I am humbled and honored by this recognition from the WBSC Congress.”

USA Softball celebrated the induction of seven new members into the National Softball Hall of Fame during the 44th Annual Hall of Fame Ceremony in Oklahoma City. The event brought together over 300 fans, family, friends, and administrators at the Oklahoma City Convention Center to honor individuals who have made a lasting impact on the sport.

2025 Hall of Fame Class

The 2025 inductees include: Charlotte Cates (Slow Pitch Player), Christina Drumm (Umpire), Hank Garris (Slow Pitch Player), Jason Kendrick (Slow Pitch Player), Kelly Kretschman (Fast Pitch Player), Chris Miljavac (Fast Pitch Player), and John Miller (Meritorious Service).

Charlotte Cates – Slow Pitch Player

Charlotte Cates is recognized as one of the most successful players in ASA slow pitch history, earning over 10 All-America honors from 1981 to 1997. She competed in 14 consecutive ASA Major Women’s National Championships, securing six national titles and MVP honors in 1985. At Florida State, she led the Seminoles to the 1981 National Championship and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Cates concluded her career with a 79–19 record in ASA Nationals and ranks among the top four in slow pitch history for All-America selections.

Christina Drumm – Umpire

Christina Drumm has made significant contributions as an umpire and leader in softball. Serving as Commissioner for USA Softball of Southern California, she has also been active on national and international committees, including the USA Softball International Committee and Umpire Manual Committee. Drumm has officiated at the 2020 Olympic Games, seven WBSC World Championships, six Women’s College World Series, and more than 40 district, state, and regional championships since 1994. Her leadership has set a standard of excellence in umpiring.

Hank Garris – Slow Pitch Player

Hank Garris is celebrated as one of the most prolific home run hitters in slow pitch softball history. With a career batting average of .740 and over 2,000 home runs, he earned nine ASA Super National All-American selections and helped his teams secure six Super National Championships, including two Grand Slam titles. From 1998–2001, he hit 762 home runs with a .770 average, earning multiple Player of the Year honors. Garris has been recognized on All-Decade and All-Century teams and was previously inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame.

Jason Kendrick – Slow Pitch Player

Jason Kendrick distinguished himself as a top defensive outfielder and powerful hitter. A two-time Men’s Slow Pitch National Team member, he earned 18 All-World selections and multiple MVP honors. Kendrick was named to 13 All-Annual Teams by USA Softball, Supreme Softball, and Old Scout, and received accolades including 1997 Softball Today Player of the Year and 2007 Old Scout Player of the Year. He is also a member of the USSSA and WSL Hall of Fame.

Kelly Kretschman – Fast Pitch Player

Kelly Kretschman is one of the most decorated players in USA Softball history. A two-time Olympic medalist, she also represented Team USA in the Pan American Games, World Cup of Softball, and Canada Cup. At the University of Alabama, she was a four-time NFCA All-American and four-time All-SEC selection. Professionally, Kretschman was a nine-time NPF All-Star, seven-time NPF Champion, and the first player to win the Triple Crown in 2016. She was NPF Player of the Year from 2015–2017 and continues to impact the sport as part of the Women’s National Team coaching pool.

Chris Miljavac – Fast Pitch Player

Chris Miljavac played 18 years at the top levels of ASA/USA Softball, earning multiple All-America honors and five ASA Men’s Major National Championships. He represented the U.S. on the Men’s National Fast Pitch Team from 2001–2008 and 2012–2015, winning gold at the 2002 Pan American qualifier and silver at the 2003 Pan American Games. Miljavac’s international experience includes ISF World Championships, Pan American Games, and Men’s World Cup tournaments. He continues to serve the sport on the U.S. Men’s National Team Selection Committee.

John Miller – Meritorious Service

John Miller dedicated more than 36 years to USA Softball of Northern California, shaping the sport through leadership and service. Beginning as Assistant District Commissioner in 1976, he later served as District Commissioner and Northern California Commissioner, overseeing 28 counties. Nationally, he held roles including Western Territory Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the USA Softball National Office. Miller’s work on national committees, covering equipment testing, insurance, and tournament organization, reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing the game.

The USA Softball of Southern California (SoCal) U-18 Women’s All-Star team delivered a strong performance during the second half of the Tokyo Exchange Series, held at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park on October 3–4, 2025. The team recorded two shutout wins and narrowly fell 3–2 to Metro Tokyo in the series finale.

Team Selection and Purpose of the Series

The 14-player roster was selected from the 2025 High Performance Program (HPP) Region 10 Identifiers in Irvine, California. The exchange series is designed to strengthen ties between the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the upcoming LA28 Games. Last year, the SoCal U-18 All-Star team traveled to Tokyo to compete in a series of games against Team Tokyo.

Game 1: SoCal U-18 All-Stars 8, Metro Tokyo 0

The series opened with a dominant 8–0 shutout victory. Pitchers Bella Gonzales and Abby Ford combined to keep Metro Tokyo off the scoreboard. Offensively, the team tallied 12 hits, led by Riley Hilliard with three RBIs and a triple. Kale’a Tindal contributed two doubles, and Malaya Finch added a double and a sacrifice fly. Koa Puppe, Ari Hernandez, and Jordan Castrellon each drove in runs to complete the scoring. Defensively, the team played flawlessly with no errors.

Game 2: SoCal U-18 All-Stars 4, Metro Tokyo 0

The momentum continued with a 4–0 win in the second game. Finch and Ford combined for 14 strikeouts while allowing only three hits. Hilliard drove in an early run with a first-inning double, and Puppe added two RBIs to extend the lead. Tindal, Puppe, and Hilliard each recorded two hits in the team’s 10-hit performance. The defense remained strong, supporting the pitchers with error-free play.

Game 3: Metro Tokyo 3, SoCal U-18 All-Stars 2

In the final game, the SoCal All-Stars fell 3–2 in a closely contested matchup. Tindal drove in two RBIs with a single in the second inning, giving the team an early lead. Metro Tokyo rallied with a two-run single in the sixth inning to secure the win. Gonzales pitched 5.1 innings, allowing just one unearned run and striking out four. Tindal led the offense, with Hilliard and Castrellon also contributing hits.

Weekend Summary

Throughout the Tokyo Exchange Series, the SoCal U-18 All-Stars showcased a well-rounded performance, combining timely hitting, dominant pitching, and flawless defense. The weekend highlighted the talent and depth of USA Softball’s High Performance Program.

The U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team (WNT) captured gold at the 2025 WBSC U-18 Women’s World Cup Finals with a 7–2 victory over world-ranked No. 1 Japan. Aspen Boulware led the offense with a multi-hit performance, helping Team USA complete an undefeated tournament and secure a record fifth-consecutive world championship (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025) — the program’s ninth overall. The U-18 WNT currently holds a 48-game winning streak at the World Championship. This final marked the 12th title matchup between the U.S. and Japan, with Team USA now claiming seven wins. The U.S. remains the only nation to medal in every edition of the WBSC U-18 Women’s World Cup, totaling 15 medals: nine gold, five silver, and one bronze.

Gold Medal Game Highlights

The championship game began at 2 p.m. CT at Devon Park. Boulware went 2-for-3 at the plate, including a triple, while Ki’ele Ho-Ching, Juliana Hutchens, Addyson Sheppard, and Payton Westra each recorded hits. Westra also contributed a double to fuel the offense. On the mound, Lilly Goodwin started with two strikeouts over three innings before Caroline Stanton relieved, striking out five to secure the win.

Tournament Performance

Team USA finished the tournament with six wins, including Opening Round victories over China, Chinese Taipei, and Canada. In the Super Round, the Eagles defeated Japan and Mexico to claim the No. 1 seed entering the final. Three of six tournament wins came by run-rule, and the team outscored opponents 48–9. Juliana Hutchens led the batting attack with a .800 average, followed by Boulware (.588) and McLaine Hudson (.562). The pitching staff — Madi Doty, Brielle Gardiner, Goodwin, Ella Kate Smith, and Stanton — combined for 36 strikeouts while allowing just seven earned runs in 36 innings.

Individual Honors and Awards

Team USA led the tournament in 10 offensive categories. Stanton led the pitchers with the most wins. Three players earned All-World Team honors: Boulware, Hudson, and Hutchens, with Hutchens named Tournament MVP. Hutchens also swept the offensive awards for Leading Hitter, Most Runs Batted In, and Most Home Runs. Boulware was recognized for Most Runs Scored, while Stanton earned Best Defensive Player honors.

USA Softball mourns the loss of former U.S. Men’s Slow Pitch National Team member Jeff Flood, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 40. The organization extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the broader softball community during this difficult time.

Jeff Flood (1985–2025)

Born and raised in Sandy, Oregon, Jeff Flood was a respected figure in the softball world. He began his USA Softball journey in 2016 with the U.S. Men’s Futures Team, playing two seasons before joining the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2021, marking his final year with Team USA.

On and Off the Field

Jeff was celebrated for his explosive swing, competitive spirit, and ability to inspire his teammates. Off the field, he took pride in being a devoted father. Professionally, he spent more than 15 years as a Research and Development Designer at DeMarini Sports Inc. He also dedicated significant time to mentoring young athletes in the youth baseball community, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.

Tragic Passing

Jeff’s life was tragically cut short in a drunk-driving accident in Sandy, Oregon. The head-on collision devastated his family, friends, and colleagues, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices.

Supporting Jeff’s Family

A GoFundMe has been established in Jeff’s honor to support his family with service expenses and ongoing needs. All contributions go directly to his beneficiary account to assist his loved ones during this difficult time.