Sacco Called Up To National Team For Australia Exhibitions

STARKVILLE – Former Mississippi State All-American and current student coach Sierra Sacco has been called up to the United States Women's National Team for its upcoming exhibitions in Australia.

Team USA will play four games against the Australian national team on Dec. 31, 2025–Jan. 3, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia. The series aims to promote the sport of softball as both nations advocate for its inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic program.

"Representing Team USA is truly a dream that I thought was close to impossible, so it's truly a dream come true," Sacco said. "It is such an honor to wear USA across my chest, and I can't believe that I have the privilege to wear it in December. I am so excited to represent this amazing country and wear the red, white and blue."

Sacco is one of five players who will make their national team debut on the roster announced Thursday evening. She participated in this summer's Team USA All-Star Showcase and National Team Camp. Sacco played with the All-Stars in two scrimmages against the Team USA squad that represent the nation at The World Games in China.

In her final collegiate season, Sacco was a consensus All-American and a finalist for USA Softball's Collegiate Player of the Year award. She was drafted by the Talons in the AUSL and went on to win the league's inaugural championship with the club while being named to the AUSL All-Defensive Team.

Sacco is the latest Bulldog to represent her country, and State has been well represented in the red, white and blue. Assistant coach Zac Shaw is captain of the U.S. Men's National Team that won bronze at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup and gold at the World Games this summer. Mia Davidson was part of the gold medal-winning U.S. Women's National Team at the 2024 Women's Softball World Cup, and M-Club Hall of Famer Iyhia McMichael is an assistant coach for the U.S. U-15 Women's National Team.

Additionally, Peja Goold played for Colombia at the Pan American Games this summer, and Chloe Malau'ulu represented American Samoa at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games. Seventeen Bulldogs have now played for a national team.

The upcoming series marks the Americans' first visit "down under" since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where Team USA captured gold. Matchups between the two nations have long been fan favorites, highlighted by their clash at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, which drew the largest crowd in Olympic softball history with 9,209 fans at Blacktown Park 25 years ago. In that 13-inning thriller, Australia edged Team USA, 2-1, in one of the most memorable games in Olympic history. The contest also marked a historic performance by Team USA legend Lisa Fernandez, who set an Olympic record with 25 strikeouts.

The USA Down Under Series also marks the 60th anniversary of the inaugural 1965 World Cup in Melbourne, where Australia edged Team USA, 1-0, in the finals. Looking ahead, the Eagles aim to return to Australia in 2027 for the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals, with sights set on securing their spot at the 2026 Group Stage event in Oklahoma City at Devon Park.

For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Sacco Called Up To National Team For Australia Exhibitions

Players Mentioned

Peja Goold

Sierra Sacco

Related Videos