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Cat Osterman has decided to retire after years of college, Olympic and professional softball dominance.

Jim Delany has led the Big Ten since 1989 and upped the conference's women's sports participation numbers. Val Ackerman picks his brain in her latest edition of Man Up.

In her new column for espnW.com, Val Ackerman will talk with prominent male executives to get their ideas about where women's sports are headed.

Recurring questions regarding women's sports are where do we go from here and what it will take to get there? Satisfying everyone involved will take time and a good game plan.

National Pro Fastpitch's season ended as an ugly, soggy shambles, fingers raised not skyward to celebrate a championship but instead pointed accusingly in every direction.

Despite financial challenges, National Pro Fastpitch softball league is about to complete its ninth year, a testament to the dedication of its players and owners.

Softball superstar Natasha Watley's foundation gives African-American girls a chance to find their place in the game.

In the world of softball, there may be no brighter star than Cat Osterman, but the pitcher wouldn't be who she is without her trusty battery mate and friend, Megan Willis.

With the status of international softball still in limbo, Japan took down the United States 2-1 in 10 innings in a gold-medal thriller at the ISF World Championship on Sunday that broke a streak of seven consecutive titles for the Americans.

Lauren Gibson provided key hits early and late against Japan ace Yukiko Ueno, putting the United States in position to win its eighth consecutive world championship.

Team USA scored 78 runs, 32 more than any other team, and hit 17 home runs in seven pool play games. But facing pitcher Danielle Lawrie and the host Canadians in the medal round was a different story.

The U.S. softball team is gunning for its eighth straight ISF World Championship title but will face strong competition from Japan and Canada.

Record-setting Loyola Marymount shortstop (and self-proclaimed goofball) Sam Fischer came from relative obscurity to earn a spot on Team USA.

With softball out of the Olympics, Team USA has a different feel. Tennessee star Lauren Gibson is among a slew of college stars leading the way with the world championships on the horizon.

Life as a professional softball player isn't one of luxury, but for Caitlin Lowe, the sacrifices inherent in the low-paying role allow her to give back to the game she gained so much from.

Arguably softball's most recognizable figure, Cat Osterman has turned up in an unlikely place: as an assistant coach at a Division II school. There, she's helping each player be her best.