Name: Bre DeSanta
Age: 24
High School: Horizon High School Class of 2001
College: San Diego St/ Arizona State Universtiy Class of 2005

After graduating from Horizon High School, Bre DeSanta went on to play softball for San Diego State before deciding to come back closer to home to pitch and finish out her education at Arizona State University.

Being of Italian heritage, the Italian softball league contacted her in her final season at ASU. After they contacted her two years ago and she learned about playing professionally overseas she decided to head over there.

After a lengthy process she was able to establish dual citizenship based on her Italian family history. Bre said that European teams tend to look for players with background, so they can apply for dual citizenship and not only be able to play in pro league, but also the Italian Olympic softball team.

That is exactly what happened in her case and she was placed on the professional team in Caserta, Italy. So for the past two years from March til playoffs end in September she competes against 8-10 different teams in Italian league then during the break practices and plays on the Italian Olympics team.

Bre might opt to go back for a third season, but only being back in Phoenix for two weeks she doesn’t really know what she is going to do now.

Below is a Q & A with Bre DeSanta:

What got you involved in the game? I grew up playing soccer and softball, but there were better opportunities for scholarships with softball, which was a huge factor because it is more difficult for girls to play soccer. With softball, being that I was a pitcher, I could go a lot farther.

What is your softball background? I started playing when I was about 10-years old. Played softball all four years but, high school softball is not where you get recruited.  ASA, summer ball traveling league, is where college coaches are going to be recruiting because ASA league is a lot more competitive.

Did you ever imagine playing softball after you graduated college? Didn’t think about playing after school before, but when I was approached to play in Italy I thought it was a good idea to put my life on hold. It is one thing to play pro here but playing in Italy I have been to tons of other countries for free. Getting paid to play is so much of an experience that is has been worth putting life on hold to live oversees, I didn’t expect it.

What has been the best thing about playing in the Italian softball league? Learning how another culture operates is something completely new and different. I am learning lot and having fun getting to do things I never expected I would do.

What is the biggest drawback of choosing to go live and play overseas for the past two years? Putting my life on hold, I haven’t been able to be grounded. My career was put on hold. Not coming out of college and getting a career does have drawbacks because it has delayed that part of my life.

Would you change anything about the path you have taken?No way, I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it. I suggest it to anyone because it is an experience you wouldn’t forget.

What is your schedule like playing for the Italian team? The traveling I do based with softball is for the Italian Olympic team. Every two years there is the European championship. We just had that this past year. It is really competitive because there is a huge rivalry with Holland. We are two of the best teams in Europe, so very competitive, intense and fans are pretty rough.

What are the differences between softball in Italy and the United States? Overall probably the quality of players is better in the U.S. Smaller amount of people play abroad because they don’t grow up playing. Professional leagues are mostly what they do. Trained at such at younger age in U.S. some people abroad are behind. In Italy the Olympic team is more recognized than league teams.  The rules here and abroad are the same, International Softball Federation.

What is the make-up of the Italian Olympic team? There are five Americans and 12 Italians on the team. For the Italians it is an honor to be on the team.

What advice can you give to others who want to continue to play after college? You can play in all kinds of places. They found me, but if it’s something they are interested in I would suggest talking to your college coaches because they are a source for playing overseas.

With you Italian heritage has this been more than just a playing experience? Yeah. I have even had the chance to go to this tiny little town where my family was from and meet some of my relatives. It has been beneficial to meet relatives and learn a little bit more about my background.
The opportunity of playing in Italy is meaningful, you know I would play in the U.S. but the experience overall playing there, well it is hard to explain, but there is a different feeling. They are passionate, don’t take it for granted and winning is not as expected. Winning is something that we really want.

Is this the last year of your play overseas? I could possibly go for a third season. To play for an overseas team you have to be recruited. You can go back for another season, no contractual obligations, just a rule that you can only have two Americans per team.

Do you have any regrets about putting things on hold? If people are given the opportunity to go abroad it is one that shouldn’t be missed. Good pay, living with teammates. I didn’t know a word of Italian, but through being there I have picked up a lot. One of the best decisions I have ever made not a lot of people can say that they have traveled around the world and experienced much more than just playing softball.