I was unclear with the "commit to play this summer". Sentence. She was willing to commit to the summer but they would not let her play until she committed to the 3 years. Posting from phone....
And smart sparkly....that's a pretty ornery first post. I am by nature suspicious but it seems weird that your first post would be on this topic. I smell PR.
Not only what JJ said. She was the ONLY player they wanted to have sign a contract. The National Team administration got what they deserved after giving an ultimatum when a player has options. Tons of egg on their face and the team has to pay for it.
I can't imagine how a kid growing up wanting to play softball would ever prefer to play on Team USA when they can play NPF with and against their idols who are still playing.
I imagine this will change in time as the Olympic greats are forgotten, but a kid coming out of college had to have watched softball in the Games and wanted to be on that field.