LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It has been 20 years since USA Softball won the first gold medal in Olympics history, claiming a 3-1 victory over China in Columbus, Ga.

Fast-forward to Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 in New Orleans. USA Softball in conjunction with the NFCA Convention is holding a reunion game which features a slow-pitch exhibition against the Louisville Slugger Warriors team. 

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"The NFCA is thrilled to partner with USA Softball to provide a "one of a kind" softball event to honor our Olympians and to celebrate softball's return to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman. “I can't think of a better way to put an exclamation point on our 2016 New Orleans Convention than to watch our decorated Olympians compete versus the Louisville Slugger Warriors.  We would like to thank the Louisville Slugger Warriors for serving our country and the University of New Orleans for providing an outstanding venue for this prestigious event." 

It will be an unforgettable Olympian reunion that will recognize all those who have shared the unique experience of representing their country, whether it be on the field of play or in the field of battle.

“I could not be more excited to celebrate the 2020 Olympic reinstatement and take the field with my fellow sisters, legends and amazing teammates once again in New Orleans,” said Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch. “It will be the first ever USA Softball Alumni game versus our real life heroes, our veterans, who have ignited their fire for life after the battle field- on the softball field. You won’t want to miss this event!”

The contest will cap off the 2016 NFCA Convention, Dec. 7-10 at the New Orleans Marriott.

Thanks to the generosity of University of New Orleans and its Director of Athletics Derek Morel, the contest will take place at Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark, home of the UNO baseball program. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT with an autograph session immediately following the contest. Admission is free. 

“The University of New Orleans is privileged to join the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to host the USA Softball Olympian Alumni Softball Game,” said Morel. “We are very proud of our facility and certain it will provide the ideal backdrop for this great game between our Olympians and the Louisville Slugger Warriors.”  

Prior to the game, the Diversity Committee will conduct an one-hour free clinic. More details will follow as they are made available. Coaches that would like to volunteer at the clinic can contact Katelyn Funchess at katelyn@nfca.org.

“What better way to celebrate softball’s return to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games than with a USA Softball Olympian Reunion,” said ASA/USA Softball Executive Director Craig Cress.  “ASA/USA Softball is honored and excited to partner with the NFCA for this reunion, where fans get to see some of their favorite USA Softball Olympians during the NFCA Convention in New Orleans.  It’s the perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our first Olympic Games while honoring those Olympians who helped foster the love of the game for millions of athletes across the U.S.  We hope to see everyone this December for this historic event!”

About Louisville Slugger Warriors

The Louisville Slugger Warriors are a highly decorated national slow pitch softball tournament team featuring US Military Veterans and Active Duty Personnel who have suffered service-connected physical and invisible wounds.

This high profile, nationally sponsored competitive tournament team will consist of several military personnel that have been playing softball for close to five years post-injury, and who desire to test themselves at the next level. Many of these premiere players on the Louisville Slugger Warriors team are testing the limits of prosthetic advancement that is available to extremely active amputees, as they continue to push the limits of their rehabilitation process.

Below is a partial list of Olympians that will be participating (updated 10/27):

Jennie Finch

Crystl Bustos

Leah O’Brien-Amico

Kelly Kretschman

Stacey Nuveman

Jennifer Brundage

Jenny Topping

Danielle Henderson

Michelle Venturella

Confirmed coaches:

Margie Wright

Ken Eriksen

John Rittman

Karen Johns

Mike Candrea