CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M's Ruby Salzman will compete for Team Israel at the Women's Softball European Championships for the second time in her career. The 2022 European Championships, held in Barcelona, Spain, are set to begin on July 24 before concluding July 30. A schedule of the games can be found HERE. 

 

"Playing internationally has impacted my collegiate career because it has given me a different outlook not only due to the large difference in the level of play but also has reminded me why this sport has had such a positive and incredible impact on my life," Salzman said.  

 

The Israel National Team is coming off a fourth-place finish at the 2021 Championship, just missing a spot to play in the Olympics. During the 2021 iteration, Salzman went 10-31 at the plate with a triple and two home runs. She started in 10 games, posting a flawless fielding percentage on seven putouts. 

 

"Sometimes when you're in the grind of your collegiate career you tend to lose focus for the love of the game due to the stress of school, living on your own, and managing your time," Salzman said. "I play for my teammates, my coaches, my school, and for myself."  

 

"Representing Israel is unlike anything I have ever done or will do in my life. Playing for a culture that has always been the outcast in the world is the best thing I could have ever committed to. The first time I stepped on the field in an Israeli uniform and the Israeli National Anthem Hatikva played, tears filled my eyes and goosebumps chilled my body as I knew that I was playing and representing more than myself and my team, but for my culture, for Israel," Salzman added. 

 

Salzman was recently named an honorable mention All-American by the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association and an Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America. The Northridge, California native hit .385 with 11 doubles and 10 home runs while starting all 45 games in center field during the Lady Buff's 2022 season. 

 

Salzman and Team Israel start pool play on July 24 against tournament-hosts Spain in Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona at 2 p.m. CT.