A number of U.S.-born softball players have played for national teams of other countries or territories. The latest Arizona Wildcats to take advantage of that opportunity are Tele Jennings and Sina Talataina.
The American Samoa Softball Association announced the national team roster for the Canada Cup late last week. The group will be headed to Surrey, British Columbia for the tournament that runs July 6-12. It will be the first competition since announcing that American Samoa will make a run at the Los
Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Like most of their teammates, Jennings and Talataina were not born in the territory, where residents carry U.S. passports but aren’t considered citizens of the U.S. unless they are naturalized. However, they are allowed to compete for the territory based on their heritage.
Several former Wildcats have competed for other countries based on heritage, including Mexico and Philippines. Former Wildcat pitcher Michelle Floyd has competed for Venezuela after being naturalized as a dual citizen in that country.
Jennings had a breakout season after transferring to Arizona. She had a career average of .239 and OPS of .681 in two years at San Diego. She transferred to Arizona after her sophomore season. At first, she sat on the bench, but she finally got her chance when designated player Anyssa Wild was injured. Jennings took advantage by hitting .271 and raising her OPS to .803. She earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors as Arizona’s primary designated player during conference play.
Jennings will also be playing for the Madison Night Mares in the Northwoods Softball League over the summer. The Night Mares won the NWL championship in 2025 with the help of former Wildcat Emma Kavanagh, who will also be playing for the team this summer.
Talataina started the season as Arizona’s first baseman. She appeared in 16 games with five starts at first base and four at designated player.
The American Samoa NT is coached by Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts, who just led her program to its first Women’s College World Series.
