Canada’s Victoria Hayward, Athletes Unlimited aim for sustainable pro softball ahead of Olympic return
Canadian softball veteran Victoria Hayward has been a fixture in the sport for over a decade, competing in one Olympic Games and gearing up for the next. As the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles approach, Hayward, now 33, remains focused on the bigger picture of growing the sport beyond just the Olympic stage.
Despite only playing in one Olympics, Hayward has stayed committed to the game and is now gearing up for the latest season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. The league, which started in 2020 with a unique fantasy-style format, has now transitioned to a more traditional team-focused model for the upcoming season.
Hayward, who was part of the original group of players that helped launch Athletes Unlimited, is excited about the growth of the league and the recent partnership with Major League Baseball. With former MLB executive Kim Ng as commissioner and MLB’s strategic investment in the league, Hayward sees the potential for softball to establish a sustainable professional environment similar to other major women’s sports leagues.
The transition to a more traditional model for Athletes Unlimited softball comes at a pivotal time as the sport prepares for its return to the Olympic stage in 2028. Hayward believes that the league will help athletes stay sharp and competitive leading up to the Olympics and potentially sway organizers for future inclusion in events like the Brisbane 2032 Games.
As the lone Canadian registered for the upcoming season of Athletes Unlimited, Hayward hopes to see more Canadians join in the future. While she doesn’t anticipate being part of the Olympic roster, she remains open to the possibility and is proud to see the next generation of Canadian softball players stepping up to continue building upon the success of past teams.
With a renewed sense of purpose and excitement surrounding the league’s growth, Hayward is looking forward to hitting the field for another season of Athletes Unlimited softball. As the league continues to evolve and expand, Hayward’s dedication to the sport and passion for its growth remains unwavering.
