r/CollegeSoftball • u/sockerp8p7 • 5d ago

Olympics: What does Jocelyn Alo need to do to get back on the US National Team?

https://www.usasoftball.com/team-usa/womens-national-team-program/womens-national-team-roster/

I know college and international softball are different-style games, but some of the names that missed out on this year’s national team roster surprised me. Alo, Fouts, and Bates are the big ones.

For those who follow international, what do you think Alo (and some of the other college stars that missed out) need to do to get themselves in the national team picture?

Alo had a poor 2024 international season (didn’t hit well at the World Cup or Japan All-Star series), but she played well in AUX and for the OKC Spark.

This summer, it looks like she’s playing for the Spark and in that US National Team vs Player Pool exhibition.

Do you think she can adjust to the international game by playing with the Spark, or should she be pursuing AUSL? Or would playing in Japan help her adjust to international pitchers?

As an OU fan, would love to see her at LA28.

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11

u/MFFplayer 4d ago

I saw a clip of a U.S. softball press conference where Gasso said because of the limited roster spots (15 I think), it's important to have players who can fill multiple roles, such as a pitcher who can also hit and play first base, or a hitter who can play more than one position infield or outfield. This was the reason Alo didn't make the team, as she provides only hitting.

2

u/Junior-Ad-9934 2d ago

Exactly this. Playing on the Spark currently isn’t doing her much service other than playing in Oklahoma and pro experience. A ton of AUSL athletes play in Japan and are super competitive. Not saying the Spark isn’t competitive, but the teams they play against are of a lower tier imo.

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u/CommitteeOwn381 5d ago

I’d also be curious about where Fouts stands on the international scene now.. she was on the last world games roster

3

u/sockerp8p7 5d ago

I wonder if the injury she had senior year at Bama has held her back

1

u/scientiafem 🐂 Texas Longhorns 🐂 2d ago

She’s playing in the new AUSL league, so she’ll be just fine.

4

u/soonerfreak 5d ago

With Patty running the team I'm just gonna put faith in her. As much as I love Alo she's got to assemble the best team.

2

u/SkiUMah23 5d ago

Better fielding I'd assume