National Team
In the summer of 2001, Watley played for the USA Red Team helping them win the US Cup and place third at the Canada Cup. She was named "Most Inspirational Player" at the Canada Cup in addition to being named to the All-Tournament Team. In 2002, she was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Canada Cup and the 2002 ISF World Championship tournaments where she also earned Most Valuable Player. In 2003, Watley was also awarded a gold medal for her performance at the Pan American Games.
In preparation for the 2004 Olympics, Watley hit over .450 on the Aiming For Athens tour to help maintain Team USA's perfect record in Olympic tours. At the Games on August 14, Watley went a perfect 4/4 with a double and triple vs. Italy. She assisted Team USA softball to their third consecutive gold medal at the Athens Olympic Games defeating Australia 5-1, the only run allowed in the entire tournament, to earn her first gold medal on August 23. Watley led the team in at-bats, hits, stolen bases and was third on the team with a .400 batting average. She also broke the Olympic record for stolen bases with five in nine games.
In 2008 on the Bound 4 Beijing Tour, Watley hit over .450 once again. She led the tour in at-bats, triples and stolen bases. Watley opened the Games smacking a two-run home run in a run-rule victory over Venezuela. Watley ended the Games in the gold medal contest on August 21, Watley had a hit in Team USA's 3-1 upset by Yukiko Ueno and Team Japan to earn Silver. Watley hit .321 and led the team in at-bats and stolen bases.
Read more about this topic: Natasha Watley
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