American · Pasadena, USA · Born 27 November 1981American softball player and two-time Olympic medalist, renowned as one of the fastest base runners in women's softball history with exceptional speed.
The first African-American woman to play softball for the United States in Olympic competition, Natasha Watley arrived at the 2004 Athens Games as the fastest player on a Team USA roster that left Athens with gold — and went on to retire as the career batting average leader in National Pro Fastpitch history.400 with 300 hits, 200 runs, and 100 stolen bases in a career. Watley represented the United States at the 2004 Athens Olympics, helping the team win gold, becoming the first African-American woman to play softball for the United States in Olympic competition. She returned for the 2008 Beijing Games, where Team USA was famously upset by Yukiko Ueno and Japan in the gold medal game, settling for silver. Watley turned professional in 2005, playing for the NY/NJ Juggernauts and later the Philadelphia Force and USSSA Pride, becoming the career batting average leader in National Pro Fastpitch history and earning seven professional All-Star selections. She was also among the first American softball players to sign a professional contract in Japan, helping broaden the sport's international reach. Watley, renowned for her blazing speed and defensive range at shortstop as well as her prowess as a slap hitter, retired as one of the most decorated and pioneering players of her generation, having helped popularise a more athletic, speed-based style of play in American softball.
Softball speed and stolen base records
How They Played
Speed-focused utility player and base stealer
Lasting Impact
One of the fastest players in USA softball history
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2004
- Olympic Silver 2008
- Olympic record for stolen bases
- 3x World Champion
- 4x World Cup Champion
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Wildcats | 1999–2002 | — |
American Athletes