The Israelis have brought out some star power to help their quest, including Arizona Director of Operations and former Wildcats assistant coach , who will serve as the team’s head coach, an Israeli team spokesperson confirmed.
“I am honored to be able to be a part of Israel Softball,” Iveson told Justin’s World of Softball. “To be able to grow the sport globally and to help bring a passion for the game to young players around the world is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Iveson first spent a seven-year stint as a Wildcat assistant coach around the turn of the century before serving highly-successful tenures as the head coach at Pima Community College and Yavapai College. Following her time at the junior college level, Iveson returned to Arizona as an assistant coach before taking her current role of Director of Recruiting-Operations prior to the 2018 season.
Day is the longtime head coach at Cal Lutheran, a private Division III school. Also a former Arizona player, Day spent two years as a Wildcat in 1991 and 1992, helping lead Arizona to the national championship in 1991 and a national runner-up finish in ’92. Day was named an all-American both years.
The Israeli national sports program has not appeared in any team sport in the Olympic Games since 1968, according to a team spokesperson. The team also is fundraising with the purpose of competing at the highest level possible. The sport of softball receives minimal financial support from the Israeli government, requiring the team and its members to raise the necessary funds to compete.
According to information received through the team spokesperson, a link has been established to accept online donations. The donations, through the Jewish National Fund, are tax deductible and should be noted that they are intended for the “Israel Softball Association – Olympic Program.”
