The most electrifying base runner in softball history — USA's stolen base record holder, two-time Olympian and a shortstop whose athleticism and speed transformed what was possible at the top of a lineup in women's softball.
Natasha Watley was born in Pasadena, California in 1981. She is the USA softball stolen base record holder and won Olympic gold at Athens 2004 and silver at Beijing 2008 as the national team's starting shortstop. She was named to the ISF All-World Team and was the most electrifying baserunner the sport has produced — her athleticism and acceleration transforming what was possible at the top of a USA lineup. She played at Arizona and established herself as the premier defensive shortstop of her generation. Her stolen base total and her defensive range at short were the defining features of USA Softball's most competitive era.
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
Olympic Gold 2004
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2004
- Olympic Silver 2008
- USA softball stolen base record
- ISF All-World Team