OKLAHOMA CITY (August 10, 2024) — A journey that began in the national spotlight in 2019 at the All-American Games, Harlie Chism reflects on her experiences with USA Softball as she prepares to step onto the international stage with the U-18 Women’s National Team (WNT) later this month. A member of the U-18 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Cup Group Stage Event roster, Chism and the U-18 WNT are set to take on the international competition in Dallas, Texas from August 29 – September 2.
Chism first wore the USA Softball jersey at the prestigious All-American Games, a tournament that provides national exposure to elite athletes in the 12U age division. Designed to identify the best players across the country, each of the 10 USA Softball Regions selects teams to represent their geographical area and highlight individual athletes for their outstanding playing abilities. Being designated to a USA Softball All-American team is the highest honor a player can receive and instantly brands the player as one of the top 360 athletes in the United States in the 12-Under division.
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Participating in the 2019 All-American Games gave Chism an experience she will never forget, along with life-long friends and lessons learned. “I was very young, so it was nerve-racking to be on such a big stage. I remember being in awe at the realization that my feet were in the same place as the women I watched on TV,” said Chism. “It was an amazing experience to step out of my comfort zone and meet many new faces. It allowed me to build a name for myself and learn how to fight for what I want. So many amazing athletes from around the world were put on one team and we had to learn how to come together and play with each other like we’ve known each other our whole lives. I made many friendships that I still have today, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have played in the All-American Games,” she added.
After making her national debut at the 2019 All-American Games, Chism took part in the USA Softball High Performance Program, where she competed with the best athletes in the nation — giving her the chance to represent the U.S. on a WNT roster. Fast forward five years, and Chism is now looking forward to representing the Red, White, and Blue in Dallas with the U-18 WNT. “The HPP Program was a way for me to have many opportunities to perform,” said Chism. “It allowed me to show my skills, not only through metrics but through actual situations of softball. Without the HPP Program, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to represent my country by playing on the USA Softball U-18 Women’s National Team.”
Previously announced by USA Softball, Chism was selected to represent the U.S. in Dallas, Texas later this month at the U-18 WBSC World Cup Group Stage Event where she will look to help the squad punch its ticket to the U-18 WBSC World Cup Finals set to take place in 2025. “I am most looking forward to playing athletes from different countries and seeing the difference in play,” said Chism. “I think the World Cup is just as much a learning experience as it is a competition and I’m so excited to compete with my best friends.”
Several other members of the U-18 WNT squad made their debut on the USA Softball national stage at the All-American Games – including Cameryn Harrison, Ella McDowell, Isabella Ruggiero and Townsen Thomas.
For these U-18 WNT athletes, the journey to the podium began at the grassroots level — earning a spot on an All-American Games roster and leading to national exposure at the Softball Capital of the World®. The All-American Games experience, combined with their involvement in the USA Softball High Performance Program, granted them an opportunity to secure a spot on a Team USA roster. As a new group of athletes prepares to make their All-American Games debut this week, a new chapter will be written. Athletes from across the country will unite with the dream of wearing the Red, White, and Blue not just from August 9-11, but for the entirety of their days on the diamond.
When asked her advice to young athletes who will be competing this week in the 2024 All-American Games, Chism stated: “I would tell them to be where their feet are. I might still have a lot of softball left to play, but I feel like I was just in their shoes. It goes by insanely fast, and they just need to take it all in. I want them to know that the game gets harder, but the achievements only get bigger. Softball isn’t just a game and it’s okay to be defined by it because softball is who we are. Softball has made me into the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.”
For more information on the USA Softball Women’s National Team program, visit USASoftball.com.