Editor’s Note: This is a column by Rachele Iovine, a high school softball player from New York who has had some incredible softball experiences in Italy over the last six months. Thanks to a relationship with the Italian American Baseball Foundation, doors were opened for Rachel to take advantage … and she’s writing her own story as we speak!

I originally traveled to Italy to visit family for Easter, not realizing the trip would completely reshape my softball journey. Before we left, my dad, Frank, spoke with Chris Vaccaro, Director of the Italian American Baseball Foundation, about the possibility of my practicing with a softball team while abroad. He reached out on our behalf, and thanks to his efforts, I was invited to train with Saronno Softball.

While staying with family in Como, I attended two practices with Saronno’s Inox Team. After the second practice, they invited me to sign with the club and suit up for their 19U team the following week. I didn’t hesitate for a second. Who would ever turn down the chance to play softball in Italy?

A week later, after visiting relatives in Naples, I drove back north to play in that one game. Afterward, the staff immediately asked when I could return. Because I already had my summer travel-ball schedule set, we decided I would come back after my final July tournament and spend the month of August playing with Saronno.

That August became one of the most meaningful months of my life. I practiced almost every day with the Inox Team, an incredible group of athletes that included members of the Italian National Team and the Czech National Team, as well as players from top U.S. Division I programs such as Texas A&M, Boise State, University of Illinois Chicago, Boston University, and Florida Gulf Coast. Training alongside players with so much experience was intimidating at first, but even more inspiring. They showed me the level I hope to reach and taught me how vital fun, confidence, and mental strength are in this game.

The team also had a wide age range, from 16 to 29. Instead of feeling unusual, it was a blessing. The older players mentored the younger ones in ways coaches sometimes can’t, and the younger players had real role models right beside them. Everyone communicated openly, supported each other, and pushed each other without judgment, just genuine enthusiasm for getting better.

While I knew I was coming to Italy to train and play, I didn’t know how much independence this experience would give me. I settled into a routine of cooking for myself, shopping weekly, reading, watching TV with my flatmates, and going to practice almost daily. I also traveled with the team to a tournament in France. I didn’t play, but I was thrilled to witness Saronno compete … and win. Watching how united and determined they were made the trip unforgettable.

I was supposed to return home soon after, but plans changed. I stayed an extra week so I could play two more 19U games in Bologna, missing the first few days of my senior year, and I have absolutely no regrets. Playing softball in Italy felt like a dream I never expected to live.

I returned again in October for Saronno’s Piccole Stelle tournament, held in honor of Enrico Obletter. Saronno won the event, and I felt genuinely blessed to be part of it. Now I’m counting down the days until I return this summer, excited to grow even more alongside such strong and influential athletes.

Because this experience meant so much to me, I wanted to give something back. Many of the girls in Italy hope to play college softball in the United States, so I invited three players from Saronno – Ouly Pouye, Mirta Anselmi, and Ilaria Treccani – to join my travel team here. Ouly and Mirta have been staying with my family since October, and Ilaria joined us for a two-week visit. They played in all our practices and tournaments, including a showcase in Florida where they gained major college exposure. They impressed so many coaches, and I’m grateful that my opportunity helped create new opportunities for them as well.

I want to thank Chris Vaccaro and IABF for connecting us with softball organizations in Italy and helping make this entire experience possible. Thank you to Massimo Rotondo and the Saronno staff for welcoming me into the program. Thank you to the incredible women on the Saronno roster for supporting me, teaching me, and being patient with me. I’m especially grateful to Coach Willy, Coach Abe, and Coach Leo, who never let a language barrier get in the way of helping me improve. And thank you to the entire Saronno family for embracing me from the moment I arrived.

Lastly, I want to thank my dad, because none of this would have happened without him.