"Finch is an Olympic gold and silver medalist, NCAA softball national champion and Women's College World Series most oustanding player." Jennie Finch
Monica Abbott and I were teammates on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. We earned silver in Beijing, and since then we've kept in touch, pitcher-to-pitcher. Every time we talk, it's like we're just picking up where we left off.
It's been incredible to see Monica develop into the star that she is, and it continues to get brighter and brighter. What I think is amazing about her is that as unbeatable as she is, she continues to get better and find a way to improve on her game and what she's been able to do -- not only for USA Softball, but for the professional league. She went 18-1 during the National Pro Fastpitch regular season and led the league in strikeouts, innings pitched and wins.
She's grown as a person, too. I watched her interview at the espnW Summit, and I just felt like a big sister in a way. Oh, my goodness! She just continues to get more beautiful and stronger from the inside-out. And so eloquent. I'm so thankful that our game has her and that she represents our sport. The things she's been able to do with the Scrap Yard Dawgs with her contract -- it's not only exciting for the pro league, but exciting for women in general and in professional sports.
When she signed that $1 million contract, Monica broke another barrier not only in softball but all across the board in women's professional sports. It's a struggle, but it's exciting to see the Scrap Yard Dawgs get creative and give women what they're worth. There's a lot of work to do, but the message sent by a woman being able to make that kind of money is tremendous. I give the Scrap Yard Dawgs a lot of credit for helping break that glass ceiling. Monica got to be the one to do it, and she earned it. She's gone across the world to share our sport, too. The way she's impacted the Japanese league -- her team won the title this fall -- is awesome.
Monica is definitely one of the best in our sport. She's been dominant from the start. She doesn't have many weaknesses on the field, but she continues to work and change her game, evolve and get better. The way to get on base and score against Monica Abbott in college was to hit the ball back at her, bunt, just try to make contact. Now, she's one of the best defensive pitchers out there. It's so incredible to see her perform like a 5-foot-6, smaller, quicker pitcher out there when she's 6-3. She's so athletic, and she's worked on every single aspect of her game, not only physically but mentally as well.
She's been able to shine bright for our sport and our women and continues to pave the way. I really admire her discipline and her perseverance. I'm grateful that she's an ambassador for our game and someone for young girls to look up to. I'm so happy to see what she's given of herself and achieved as a result, and I look forward to many more years of watching her dominate from the circle, whether it's here in the U.S. -- and hopefully in the Olympics for 2020 -- or in Japan.
More on Monica Abbott
• Abbott wants change after $1 million deal Story »
• Abbott settles in with National Pro Fastpitch Story »
• Abbott hopes to go for gold in Tokyo Video »
• Abbott's playlist Story »
The IMPACT25 is espnW's annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25.