The US Olympic team will be touring 22 major cities around the country, showcasing their talents on the Aiming for Athens Tour. After a quick trip to Italy in April, the National Team will kick off the grass roots portion of their tour, which will begin on May 17. After playing the top college teams around the nation, Team USA remains undefeated on their way to Athens, with 19 shutouts, including number two-ranked, UCLA and number five-ranked Georgia.

"This is an exciting opportunity to see America’s team in action prior to its defense of its two Olympic gold medals," said ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda. "We have raised the bar on the competition we will face on this tour and that should prepare us for what we will face in Athens." They will face College All Star and Regional All Star teams across the country. "The tour gives our team an opportunity to play together as a unit before Olympic softball competition begins, as well as giving the fans around the nation an opportunity to see their team in action. The players are excited about the opportunity to thank the thousands of loyal softball fans who helped make their Olympic dream a reality," adds Radigonda.

This is the opportunity for kids and adults to see their favorite players in action across the region. The most famous names in softball will be present to sign autographs and speak with fans. The tour will comprise of stops in five west coast towns. The schedule includes:

Stockton, CA,UOP or Lewis Park June 4
Hayward, CA, Larry Standley Field June 5
Sacramento, CA, Sac Softball Complex June 7
Portland, OR,Normandale Park June 10
Spokane, WA Whitworth College June 12

The US Olympic team made history when they captured their first Olympic gold in the debut game in Atlanta, Georgia in the 1996 Olympic games. They then successfully defended their medal in Sydney, Australia in 2000. The women’s team has been ranked number one in the world after its Olympic successes and five World Championship titles and five Pan Am Game victories.

For more information on the US National team, visit their website at www.usasoftball.com.