Japan Softball extends head coach Reika Utsugi's contract through LA28 Olympics aiming to three-peat as gold medallists

Japan Softball announced that Reika Utsugi has signed an extension as the Women's National Team head coach through 2028, when Japan is expected to defend their back to back gold medals at the Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and Tokyo 2020) at Los Angeles 2028.

"Our goal is the gold medal," Utsugi said at a press conference held at the Japan Sport Olympic Square in Tokyo. "We'll make our way to the top again."

Asked about their priorities for the next four years, the World-Cup-winning head coach stressed the importance of pitching and catching in modern softball. "I see the battery as the most important part of the game. I'd like to start by developing pitchers and catchers who can lead us to win games," she stated.

Utsugi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team after leading Japan to the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the World Champions title in Castions di Strada, Italy, defeating USA in both tournaments. 

Thinking ahead to LA28, Utsugi sees the same rival in a potential final. "There is no doubt we'll face the United States," Utsugi said. "We'll use anything we can to win."

Japan has appeared in all five Olympic Games softball competitions, winning a medal the last four times. After winning a silver medal in Sydney 2000 and bronze in Athens 2004, Japan claimed the gold medal in Beijing 2008 and Tokyo 2020.