LAKELAND, Fla. – The Team USA Softball Women’s National Team was in Lakeland for a two-day training camp, ahead of kicking off their “Stand Beside Her Tour.”

  • U.S Olympic soft ball team trains in Lakeland
  • The training camp was ahead of the team's Stand Beside Her Tour
  • Softball is returning for the 2020 Tokyo Games

Softball is returning for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. 

Preparing to take home the gold, our nation's top softball players kicked off training in Lakeland.

“It’s important for the entire county and for Lakeland and for Florida Southern to have the women’s softball team here especially the national team to help promote the sport,” said Kevin Smith, sports consultant for Polk County Sports Marketing. 

Some of the spectators drove longer than an hour to watch the open practice Saturday, held at Florida Southern College’s Barnett Athletic Complex.  

“I love the game. I just wanted to come see. It’s pretty cool. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that I’m glad I got to see,” said Emily White, who attends Sebring High School. 

There are 18 players on the national team. They’re gearing up for the “Stand Beside her Tour," which is meant to bring about unity and encourage people to support the team, America, and future female athletes.

From Lakeland, the team traveled to the University of South Florida’s campus. The team will play against the USF Bulls on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. 

USF’s Softball Coach, Ken Eriksen, has stepped away from coaching at USF this season in order to coach the women’s national team. 

From there, the team will play games in Clearwater.