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Olympics Exclusive: USA softball team favored to take gold

02:34 PM PDT on Monday, August 16, 2004

By ALLEN SCHAUFFLER / KING 5 News

KING Catcher Jenny Topping

Softball is hard work for the USA women's softball team. It's a full-time job taking them all over the country as they train for the Olympics.

Last weekend they flew the flag and entertained fans in Portland, then hit the dirt in Spokane, winning three exhibition games by a total score of 24-0.

They're very good, and when they take the field, they attract a crowd, generate a buzz and create new fans. That's what happened during a training session on a sunny day at a softball complex in New York City's Central Park.

"Look at that throw ... one hop right to the catcher ... unbelievable," said one spectator.

"That center fielder is amazing," said another.

Out on the field are two players Husky fans will recognize: infielder Jaime Clark and catcher Jenny Topping.

Four years ago they had very different careers. Clark was a four-year starter at the University of Washington. A three time all-American, she graduated last year and is now an Olympic alternate, playing ball full time and loving it.

"It fills me up … it just makes me feel so satisfied with everything that has come. It is just a trip and a dream come true and I couldn't be more excited," she said.

Topping was brilliant in college and was a four-time all-American, but spent only her freshman year with the Dawgs. She transferred to Cal State, Fullerton after a dispute with coaches.

KING The U.S. softball team is the dominant team in the world in their sport and they go to Athens as the favorite to win it all again.

She's come back strong after two serious knee injuries and won't mind if we claim her as a local.

"I loved it up there. Softball-wise it wasn't the right connection for me, but Seattle is one of the best cities around," she said.

Topping and Clark are part of the national team's youth movement, small pieces of a team big on talent, long on experience.

There are several names and faces to remember.

Lisa Fernandez is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. At 33, she's one of the sport's true pioneers, with a fastball in the high 60s and a nasty change-up.

Jenny Finch is the 6-foot-1 pitcher who won 60 straight games in college and is at home on the field and in front of the camera. People magazine recently named her one of the worlds 50 most beautiful people.

Natasha Whatley is the lightning quick shortstop who helped UCLA win the College World Series last year.

Crystl Bustos, another Sydney Olympic veteran, has been crushing the ball on the "Aiming for Athens" tour.

They all seem to genuinely enjoy the ambassador/rock star roles they play as they travel the country, and they all talk about putting the team first, about having 17 sisters in uniform, and a single Olympic goal, which does not include losing.

"We don't even talk about that. We don't sign autographs in silver pens," said Clark. "This team is a defending gold medalist and we are going to Athens to win the gold medal."

They are 36-0 in the Aiming for Athens tour.