Summer Softball: Ali Aguilar With US Women's National Team
July 05, 2017 | Softball
After the World Series ended for us at the beginning of June, I got back just in time to do my finals, graduate on June 10, and leave on a plane for Southern California on June 12 to start training camp for the Women's National Team (#ballislife just look at Coach Tarr's Instagram bio, ha!) We practiced multiple times a day for a week while in Irvine and played a few exhibition games against the So Cal All Star team and the Mexican National Team. On June 19 we left on an 11 hour flight to play a three game series in Japan. The outcome of the games didn't go our way as we lost two out of three games while we were there, but there were a lot of positives to embrace as we are molding our team's identity. We played two of our games in Sendai and then moved to Yokohama and played in a huge baseball stadium which was very cool. Baseball and softball are very popular sports in Japan so we felt like celebrities while we were there. While in Sendai, we got to go to a middle school and hang out with the students on their lunch break. They prepared a meal for us and I learned that every single day they go to school until about 3pm and then they are required to do 3 hours of outside activity (a sport, art & crafts, etc.) so their days don't end until around 7pm throughout their entire school week. Crazy! We also got to adventure while in Sendai and Yokohama since we stayed next to areas where there were a lot of opportunities for shopping and walking around. I enjoyed saying Konichiwa to literally every Japanese person that passed by and just taking in the culture because it is so much different than the U.S.
I had a lot of fun playing softball games and adventuring, but my favorite part of the experience so far is being a part of a group of women who are so dedicated to their faith in Christ. It's been so cool to grow in my relationship with God alongside some of the most talented and loving people. I am amazed at the passion these women bring to our bible studies on the road and it ignites an even bigger passion inside of me to go after Christ will all of my heart. It's so encouraging to know that I have so many other women who share the same devotion. If there are any prayer warriors out there, Team USA welcomes and appreciates your prayers for our group to grow deeper with Jesus!!
After our adventures in Japan, we parted ways as I headed back home to Sacramento to be with family and friends and get some recovery in. Now, we are headed to Oklahoma City to get ready for the World Cup which is going to be on ESPN so I am expecting all of the dedicated Husky Fans to watch!!!! Love you all and thank you for all your support.
-Ali
