University of Arizona Athletics

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Following a selection camp in Clearwater, Florida, three Wildcats have been chosen to represent their country and compete for USA Softball this summer. Pitcher Danielle O'Toole (2016-17) was one of 17 players selected to the World Championship roster while current Wildcat undergraduate assistant, infielder Mo Mercado (2014-17) and sophomore catcher Dejah Mulipola were two of 17 players named to the Japan All-Star Series roster.

For O'Toole, this will mark her second consecutive year with Team USA. The 2017 Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year helped lead USA Softball to silver medals in the World Cup of Softball and the Japan Cup. O'Toole enjoyed a terrific debut season with the Eagles that included a one-hit shutout of then-world No. 1 Japan in the World Cup of Softball.

Mulipola competed for the U.S. Junior Team each of the last two summers, but this will be the first time competing for the Women's National Team for both her and Mercado.

"I am so excited for Tooly, Dejah and Mo," said Arizona coach Mike Candrea, the former head of USA Softball. "To have the opportunity to wear the USA uniform is a great honor and a testament to their hard work and selflessness. To wear this uniform and have the opportunity to compete for our country is the ultimate experience for an athlete."

O'Toole (first team) and Mercado (second team) were named NFCA All-Americans in their final year with the Wildcats in 2017 while Mulipola was one of 25 finalists for NFCA Division I Freshman of the Year as well as a member of the Pac-12 all-freshman team in her rookie campaign last season.

O'Toole and the World Championship roster is slated to compete at the World Cup of Softball and the 2018 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's World Championship, August 2-12 in Chiba, Japan, while Mercado, Mulipola and 15 others will represent the United States at the Japan All-Star Series and compete as a second National Team at the World Cup of Softball.

The 2018 WBSC Championships will serve as qualifier for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.