Q&A with USA Softball’s Monica Abbott

Get to know USA Softball star and #TeamWilson Pro Monica Abbott.

USA Softball star pitcher Monica Abbott knows what it takes to perform against the game’s best competition. The veteran lefty has dominated the professional and international circuits with her A2000® MA14 Game Model glove. Go one-on-one with Abbott to learn about some of her favorite moments and advice for young softball players.

Q: What is the best catch you’ve ever made with your A2000 MA14 GM? 

A: A couple people tried to run squeeze plays on me and I do the glove toss to home. It’s 0-0 in the bottom of the tenth and it’s basically whoever scores first, wins. Those are always really huge. I’m a pitcher, but in those moments, I’m like, “Man, I’m the shortstop right now!”

Q: What advice would you give young players?

A: My biggest advice is: keep playing, stay in the game and play as long as you can. Don’t think that it’s impossible. Keep going, even when your back is against the wall and you feel like you want to quit. Don’t stop. Take another step forward. Keep that ‘never give up’ mentality and stay the course. There are plenty of times I feel I could have stopped playing and plenty of times where I wanted to. I forced myself to get up and do one more workout and keep trucking, so to speak. That’s made a huge difference in my career.

Q: What traits do the players on the US Olympic team have in common? 

A: We’re all very determined. I think determination is a big quality in our team. It's in our spirit of the team. 

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals? 

A: I don't step on the line running out to the bases or running up to the mound. I've never done that since I was a kid so it's just something that is ingrained in me. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a coach? 

A: Over-communicate. Don’t be afraid to say even the simplest and toughest of things. In our game, being on the same page is so important. If you can over-communicate on those little situations that come up during practice or in the locker room, then it’ll make tough moments seem a lot easier. You’ll have a lot more trust in those moments. 

Follow Monica’s Olympic journey on Instagram and Twitter @monicaabbott.