Four US Women's Teams to Watch in the 2008 Summer Olympics

Some of the United State's best chances at gold medals in Beijing for team sports will come from women's teams, most notably women's softball, women's water polo, and women's basketball.

US Women's Softball Team

The United States women's softball team has won the gold medal in every Olympic competition since the sport was introduced in the 1996 Olympic Games. Four years ago in Athens the USA Softball team had a perfect 9-0 record and the team has also won six consecutive World Championships. No less than the gold is expected during the Beijing games. This year's roster is led by pitchers Cat Osterman and Jennie Finch (well recognized for her participation in Celebrity Apprenice). Third baseman Crystl Bustos is also the team's power hitter and shortstop Natasha Watley is one of the fastest women in the sport. The coach for the team is Mike Candrea, also the University of Arizona head coach. Japan and Australia's women's softball teams are the two most likely to capture the gold from the US women in Beijing this year.

US Women's Water Polo Team

With a silver is Sydney's Olympic Games in 2000 and a bronze in Athen's 2004 Olympic Games, the US Women's Water Polo Team is has its sights set on an Olympic gold in Beijing. As the 2007 world champions, the team has a strong chance at capturing the top spot. The United State's biggest challenge will come from Australia, who defeated the United States 7-6 in the "Good Luck Beijing" Water Polo Open earlier this year. In order to get to the gold medal round, the USA team will have to battle through matches against Russia, China, and Italy, all strong women's teams.

US Women's Basketball Team

The US women's basketball team has already won the Olympic gold in the last three Olympic competitions. Led by a slate of WNBA stars, many of whom are returning stars from the Athen's 2004 Olympic Gold Medal team, the US is expected to capture the gold again. The US women's strongest competitors should be Russia, who upset the US in the 2006 World Championship semifinals and Australia who eventually won the 2006 World Championship.

Other Teams to Watch

The US women's soccer team is expected to have a strong showing against favorites Germany and Brazil. Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor's sand volleyball team is expected to clinch the gold.