OKLAHOMA CITY — USA Softball will host the first-ever Gold Ball Gala at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City on May 29, 2019. The Gold Ball Gala serves as a fundraiser for the USA Softball National Team Program, with proceeds raised going directly to help fund both current and future National Teams in their efforts to stand atop the podium.
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“We’re looking forward to an evening of celebrating the many accomplishments of our National Team athletes with the fans who have helped support them along the way,†said USA Softball Chief Executive Officer, Craig Cress. “The Gold Ball Gala will give USA Softball fans the chance to show their support for the men and women who proudly represent the United States on the international stage. Without the backing and generosity of supporters of the program, many of the opportunities that are afforded to our National Team athletes simply would not be possible.â€Â
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A number of tickets are currently on sale at GoldBallGala.com and those considering attending are encouraged to purchase quickly as demand will be high for what will be an evening to remember celebrating the Red, White and Blue.  For those who wish to support the National Team Program but are unable to attend the Gold Ball Gala, donations can be placed by visiting USASoftball.com.
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The Gold Ball Gala, which will celebrate USA Softball National Team athletes past, present and future is set to become a staple in funding the future of Olympic hopefuls and the game of softball on the international stage. The Gala will also provide a send-off for athletes before the start of the 2019 season.Â
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Women’s National Team Head Coach Ken Eriksen will make an appearance, while athletes confirmed for attendance so far include:Â
Monica Abbott, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, three-time World Champion, Pan American Games Gold Medalist
Valerie Arioto, Two-time World Champion, Pan American Games Gold and Silver Medalist
Jazmyn Jackson, 2016 World Champion
Sahvanna Jaquish, 2018 World Champion
Haylie McCleney, Two-time World Champion, Pan American Games Silver Medalist
Michelle Moultrie, Two-time World Champion, Pan American Games Gold and Silver Medalist
Janie Reed, Two-time World Champion, Pan American Games Silver Medalist
Keilani Ricketts, 2018 World Champion, Pan American Games Gold Medalist
Delaney Spaulding, Two-time World Champion
Kelsey Stewart, Two-time World Champion, Pan American Games Silver Medalist
*Based on schedules, athlete appearances subject to change without notice.Â
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A highlight of the evening for those in attendance will be a celebration of the Women’s National Team, who became back-to-back World Champions last August and became the first team to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This year’s event will also feature three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Leah O-Brien-Amico, and National Softball Fall of Fame member and Head Coach for UCLA Softball for 27 years, Sue Enquist who is making an appearance as the keynote speaker.
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This year’s Gala will also feature a silent auction, where attendees can bid on one-of-a-kind memorabilia and more.
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For ticket purchase and silent auction information, please click here.Â
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About USA Softball
USA Softball is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and is designated as the National Governing Body (NGB) of Softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. One of the nation’s largest sports organizations, USA Softball sanctions competition through a network of Local Associations, which includes all 50 states and select metro associations. USA Softball is dedicated to providing people of all ages the opportunity to play the game they love at a variety of levels by offering recreational, league, tournament and competitive play for fast pitch, slow pitch and modified pitch. USA Softball annually conducts thousands of tournaments throughout the country including over 100 National Championships. The USA Softball umpire program is among the nation’s largest and are widely known as the best trained umpires in the game.Â
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As the NGB for the sport of softball, USA Softball is responsible for training, equipping and promoting the six USA Softball National Teams that compete in events such as the Olympics, Pan American Games, World Championships and other international and domestic events. For more information on USA Softball, including its founding and history as the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA), please visit, www.USASoftball.com. |
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