A Homecoming for Elk Grove's Own

Ally Carda has pitched on some of the biggest stages in softball. She’s represented Team USA, won an Olympic silver medal, and spent the past eight seasons playing professionally in Japan. But the Elk Grove native’s journey has taken an unexpected turn: she’s now back in the United States, competing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) with the Texas Volts.

Carda’s return to American soil marks a homecoming both literal and emotional. Growing up in Elk Grove, a Sacramento suburb that has produced a remarkable number of top-tier athletes, Carda takes pride in representing her hometown wherever she goes. “I’m really proud of where I’ve come from,” Carda said. “Elk Grove is such a hub for athletes. We’ve had so many awesome athletes collegiately and professionally come out of Elk Grove. Everywhere I go, I’ve always loved to represent and I’m really proud of where I came from.”

From Burnout to Renewed Passion

After finishing a decorated career at UCLA, where she was one of the nation’s top players, Carda admits she was burned out and ready to move on from softball altogether. “I graduated. I wanted to be done with softball. I was pretty burnt out after my senior year in college. I wanted to go get a real people job and not do softball,” she recalled. Instead, an invitation to try out for Team USA changed everything. “I got asked to come try out for the USA team. Every year it just slowly developed a new love for the game. I would say probably since I’ve been in Japan, maybe the last five or six years, I’ve loved the game more than I ever have.” That renewed passion has carried Carda across the globe and now back to the United States.

A Storied Career at UCLA

Carda’s college career at UCLA was nothing short of legendary. She was a two-time Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year, a two-time first-team NFCA All-American, and helped lead the Bruins to the Women's College World Series in 2015 and 2016. She set UCLA single-season records for strikeouts (323) and wins (32) during her senior year, and finished her career with 1,051 strikeouts. Her ability to dominate in the circle made her one of the most feared pitchers in the nation. Beyond her individual accolades, Carda was known for her leadership and resilience, qualities that would serve her well on the international stage.

Olympic Glory and Beyond

Carda was a key member of the 2020 U.S. Olympic softball team that won a silver medal in Tokyo. Softball returned to the Olympics after a 13-year hiatus, and the team faced a tough Japanese squad in the gold medal game. “Playing for my country and standing on the medal podium is something I’ll never forget,” Carda said. The Olympic experience deepened her appreciation for the sport and connected her with a global community of athletes. She credits the national team coaching staff and her teammates for helping her grow both as a pitcher and as a person.

Eight Seasons in Japan

Following the Olympics, Carda played eight seasons in the Japanese Softball League, one of the most competitive professional leagues in the world. She suited up for the Toyota Red Terriers, where she refined her craft against elite hitters and adapted to a different style of play. The Japanese league emphasizes precision and strategy, which complemented Carda’s existing arsenal of pitches. “The game is different over there – they’re so disciplined at the plate,” she noted. “It made me a smarter pitcher.” During her time in Japan, Carda became a fan favorite and helped her team win multiple league championships. The experience also allowed her to immerse herself in Japanese culture, learning the language and building lasting friendships.

The AUSL Experience

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League represents a new model for professional softball in the United States. Instead of traditional teams, AUSL uses a player-driven format where individual points determine standings and weekly team captains draft new squads. This innovative structure has attracted top talent from around the world, including Olympic medalists and college stars. Carda joined the Texas Volts and quickly adapted to the league’s fast-paced, high-energy environment. “Every single game we’ve gone out, multiple teams have sold out the stadiums,” she said. “The coolest thing for me was signing autographs the other day and having people tell me, ‘This is our first game. We heard this was an awesome thing to come to, so we brought the whole family.’” That family atmosphere is exactly what Carda hoped to see in American professional softball.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

Earlier this year, Carda hosted her first youth softball clinic at Elk Grove Park – the same fields where her own softball journey began decades ago. “I set up a little Elk Grove girls softball clinic and did some pitching and defense and hitting stuff out on the smaller fields at Elk Grove Park that I used to start playing on when I was five, six, seven and eight years old,” Carda said. “That was where it all started for me.” Giving back has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “It’s something I would love to do again,” she said. “I try to give back every time I come home.” For the young girls attending the clinic, seeing a hometown hero who made it to the Olympics and a professional league is a powerful inspiration.

Eyes on 2028

Even with an Olympic silver medal already on her résumé, Carda believes there may still be another chapter waiting. Softball returns to the Olympic program in 2028, and Carda hopes to earn another opportunity to wear Team USA across her chest. “I would love to make the 2028 team,” she said. “My goal is to leave no stone unturned, leave no doubt and do everything possible to be on that team. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, but I just want to have no regrets.” Whether another Olympic appearance is in her future or not, Carda says her perspective has changed over the years. The pressure has faded, and the joy has returned. “I’ve grown so much in this game,” Carda explained. “I’ve developed such a more loving relationship with softball and with failure and all the things that come with it. I don’t want to lose that.” For the Elk Grove native who once thought she’d never play again, simply getting to continue chasing her dreams has become one of the greatest rewards of all.

As the AUSL continues to grow and attract new fans, Carda remains a central figure in the league's success. She represents the best of what professional softball can offer: elite competition, community engagement, and the enduring spirit of a small-town girl who never stopped believing. Her story is a testament to the power of second chances and the beauty of falling in love with a sport all over again. And with the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the best may be yet to come.

Source:Yahoo Sports News