Q&A with USA Softball's Delaney Spaulding

Get to know USA Softball infielder Delaney Spaulding ahead of the summer 2021 games

For USA Softball infielder Delaney Spaulding, softball is a way of life. Delaney's family introduced her to the game during her early years, and Spaulding never looked back. In the summer of 2021, the California native will step up to the plate with her Louisville Slugger LXT to take on the game's best. Go one-on-one with the American to learn about her preparation for international competition.

Q: What advice would you give young players?

A: Continue to have fun because this sport is so crazy. It’s a failure sport and that can really wear on you. As long as you continue to have fun and you realize what you love about this game, then you can hold onto that for a really long time. That’s something you should always look to whenever the game gets tough.

Be present and enjoy the time with your teammates. I can’t believe how far my career has already gotten, so it’s important to be present in the moment and soak it all in.

Journaling and writing down everything you feel in the moment is really important. On your bad days, you know: “It’s OK. I know I’m capable of having good days as well. I will get back there.”

Q: How would you describe your personal softball journey? When did you start playing?

A: Growing up, you have to really come into your own identity, because this game is very hard. So, I didn’t necessarily believe people telling me that I was decent at softball. I kind of had to prove it to myself. I have three older sisters. I was at the softball field at a very, very young age, watching them play. My parents put me in softball. I fell in love with it. My dad coached me.

Q: What is it like to play with USA Softball on the game’s biggest stage?

Playing on team USA, without a doubt, we are a big family. We definitely put each other first. We’ve been doing this together for five years now, and we’re going to be going to the highest stage. Ultimately though, I’m just very, very excited to experience it with my USA teammates. I know that, once we get there to Tokyo, we’re going to feel like we’re home.

To keep up with Delaney as she hits the international stage, follow her on Instagram @delaneyylyn and on Twitter @DelaneyyLyn.