For the first time in 25 years, Team USA will take the field in Australia — and Head Coach Patty Gasso says she can’t wait to see her side go head-to-head with the Aussie Spirit in what promises to be an exciting international showcase.

The USA Down Under Series, running December 31, 2025, to January 3, 2026, at Redlands Softball Association in Brisbane, will see the two softball powerhouses meet on Australian soil in a four-game series that reignites one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries.

The visit carries deep historical significance for both nations. Australia famously hosted the inaugural Women’s Softball World Cup in 1965 — the first women’s World Cup of any sport ever held in the country — and went on to defeat Team USA to claim the world’s first championship title. Now, more than 60 years later, welcoming the Americans back represents a full-circle moment that celebrates the sport’s shared legacy and continued growth.

The USA Down Under Series, along with the upcoming WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in 2027, also plays a key role in Softball Australia’s broader vision - strengthening the case for softball and baseball’s return as official sports at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

“Looking through the history of international softball, matchups between Australia and Team USA have always been highly competitive,” Gasso said. “At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, those two teams drew the largest crowd in Olympic softball history for one of the most memorable games our sport has ever seen. What excites me now is getting the chance to learn more about Australia’s style of play — it’s a new challenge for me, since I haven’t seen them compete against us yet.”

Appointed as USA Softball’s new head coach in February this year, Gasso is no stranger to success, having built a legendary coaching career at the University of Oklahoma. But as she continues to settle into the international scene, she sees this series as an invaluable step in preparing for the 2027 World Cup Finals, which will also be hosted in Australia.

“This series will be a great learning experience for me as I continue to find my footing with Team USA and learn the international game,” Gasso explained. “It’s also a valuable opportunity to see some fresh faces on the field and athletes in different positions as we build a lineup of top talent heading into LA28. Winning gold at The World Games last summer set a strong foundation for us, and I’m hoping we can keep building on that same culture and standard moving forward.”

For Gasso and her team, returning to Australia marks more than just another series — it’s a symbolic moment that celebrates the long-standing connection between the two softball nations.

“It’s incredibly special for us to be competing in Australia for the first time in 25 years,” she said. “This matchup has proven to be popular with softball fans, and history tells us we can expect some great games. Anytime we get to represent our country on the international stage, it’s an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of these elite athletes. It’s also a chance to grow the game and connect with more softball fans here in Australia, while showing the world the grind and dedication our sport requires.”

As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to witnessing world-class softball, fierce competition, and another memorable chapter in the USA–Australia rivalry that has defined generations of the sport.

USA Down Under Series
📅 December 31, 2025 – January 3, 2026, Redlands Softball Association, Brisbane | 4 Games
Junior Clinic, December 31
Merchandise coming soon!