EUGENE, Ore. – Northwest Christian University junior Megan Mazanec and recent graduate Corrie Gustafson recently returned from a summer softball playing tour through Holland. The pair played for one of two teams from the United States that played in the Run ’71 Oldenzall Invitational in June.
Mazanec and Gustafson were two of 14 players that played with USA Athletes International (USAAI) at the Run ’71 Oldenzall Invitational from June 13-22nd of this year. Coached by Natalia Ardagna, head softball coach at University of Massachussetts – Boston, the team put together a 3-3 record in the tournament while also having the opportunity to tour Germany, Amsterdam and the Holland countryside.
“This event is an excellent opportunity for athletes to foster international goodwill and friendship among nations, while also promoting the game,” said William Edington, Executive Director of USAAI. “With the exception of the US Olympic program, there are few opportunities for athletes to experience the competition, history, and culture of other countries on an international level.”
Their week included typical sight-seeing adventures throughout Holland, including trips to the Anne Frank House, The Hague, a cheese factory, and a wooden shoe factory, while seeing countless windmills along the way. The team even found themselves at a petting zoo. “We had told our tour guide that we wanted to see a traditional dutch farm,” joked Gustafson, “but I think there was a misunderstanding in the language barrier.”
Established in 1992, USA Athletes International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving amateur athletes such an opportunity. For Mazanec, a two-time CCC Gold Glove winner at Third Base for the Beacons, it was an opportunity that she did not take lightly. “I have never been more excited in my life,” said the sophomore. “This opportunity allowed me to play the sport I love with women from all over the world. This whole experience was exciting and nerve racking, and I had a great learning experience in a completely different world.”
The week of games began with a “friendly” against the Amsterdam Pirates on June 15th, which the team lost 6-5. Mazanec saw her first action at the hot corner, while Gustafson played in left field. After a day off for practice, the tournament began on June 17th. The team opened with a 12-2 loss to the other US representatives, the Kansas Express, but followed by playing the host team to a 14-0 victory.
The following day was another double-header split, with the team losing to Kansas Express 9-5, but beating them in the night-cap, 6-5. Gustafson had the game-winning hit in that contest. On the 19th, the team closed out the tournament with a 2-1 victory.
Amid the tourism and the softball games, the teams were also in Holland during two games of the world cup for the nation. With the Netherlands sweeping their way out of group play, it was a festive atmosphere everywhere they went. In one of the villages we were at during the game against Japan, the turned the town square into a giant TV area, with bars in the street and big screens everywhere,” said Gustafson (Pictured, left). “There were thousands of people in the road watching the game.”
Gustfason added, “The trip was awesome, and it was an experience I will never forget. As my dad told me before I left, it doesn’t matter how the games played out, I have achieved the highest honor that is possible in sports by playing for my country. It was a great honor and I’m glad that I was able to represent softball, NCU, and the USA well.”