Eagles primed to soar

China's expanded contingent in US women's pro softball league aiming to make an impact

After a tough debut season in the elite ranks, the Beijing Shougang Eagles are aiming to take China's first women's pro softball team to the next level.

The Eagles, comprised almost entirely of players from China's national team, competed last season in US-based National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)－a groundbreaking opportunity for the nation's best to face play-for-pay squads of international talent.

The Eagles won just three of 47 games to finish last in the six-team circuit, but are set to open their second season in May with renewed confidence－sparked in part by an expanded quota of Chinese players joining the Akron (Ohio) Racers.

The increase bumps China's NPF contingent from 23 players to 40.

"Last year was a huge step forward for us to display our skills on the international stage," Eagles outfielder Liu Yining said at a Beijing media conference last week.

"This year, we are confident of showing the world the best version of us."

At the conclusion of the NPF season, China's top players will be assigned to the national team, which will compete at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia and the Women's Softball World Championship in Japan－a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"The Eagles created history last year when they joined the professional league in the US and we will have an upgrade this season," said Yang Xu, deputy director of the National Administration of Handball, Field Hockey, Baseball and Softball.

"This season, we will have 50 to 70 players and coaches divided into two teams playing in the US.

"The precious experience will benefit the Chinese softball team, and high-level competition on the international stage will help our players to grow quickly."

The idea of turning a national side into a club team has garnered plenty of international attention and praise.

Australia has followed China's lead, with its Aussie Spirit team set to compete this season.

"Our team's groundbreaking experiment in the US shocked not only China but also the international sports world," said Yang.

"After us, other countries have started to contact the NPF, looking to join, but we are one step ahead of them."

Jointly launched last May by the Chinese Softball Association (CSA) and Beijing Shougang Sports Culture Co Ltd, the Eagles are also benefitting from having an inspirational figure at the helm－Teresa Wilson, widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the sport's history.

Wilson is sure China's export strategy will ultimately reap rewards.

"It is really a special opportunity for those players to play in the NPF," said Wilson, a one-time US national Coach of the Year and multiple winner of that accolade at the collegiate level.

"I hope everyone will be patient as we try to live this dream. Time and chance will grow to become reality.

"I think it is visionary for China to be creating this model.

"Everyone wants to put their absolute best athletes on the field and give them the absolute best training possible.

"By combining the club and the national team, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to accomplish that goal－especially within such a short and condensed period of time."