Feature Player Spotlight: Margaret Osmundson

Margaret “Margi” Osmundson's journey through the world of sports is a compelling tale of resilience, leadership, and innovation. She started making waves in the sports arena during her college years at Sonoma State University from 2012 to 2015. As a central midfielder, her tactical intelligence and formidable skills on the field earned her significant accolades, including NSCAA First Team All-American and First Team All-West Region honors. Her leadership qualities were evident as she took on the role of co-captain during her junior and senior years, helping to steer her team through numerous challenging matches.

After graduating, Margaret didn't stray from the soccer field; she transitioned to coaching Division II teams while playing professionally for the SF Knighthawks in the Women's Premier Soccer League. Her playing career extended internationally in 2019 when she joined Sportclub International in Porto Alegre, Brazil, gaining valuable experience abroad until the COVID-19 pandemic cut her stint short. This unforeseen halt led her to discover teqball, a dynamic sport that blends elements of soccer and table tennis, during her search for competitive alternatives.

Seeing an opportunity to make a significant impact, Margaret founded BellaTeq, the first all-female teqball club, aiming to reshape the sports landscape for women. Through BellaTeq, she championed the cause of sports inclusivity and accessibility, orchestrating the distribution of over 1000 teqball tables to various institutions and community centers across the United States. Her efforts have not only promoted the sport but also sparked widespread interest and participation, with her visionary leadership aiming to elevate teqball to the level of Olympic recognition.

Her accolades in teqball are just as impressive as her soccer achievements. Margaret clinched multiple titles, including two mixed double titles and six women's doubles titles, and was a finalist twice at the women's doubles world championships. These accomplishments underscore her adaptability and prowess in embracing and excelling in a relatively new sport.

Despite a recent setback with a knee injury in January 2024, Margaret remains steadfast in her commitment to sports. As she focuses on her rehabilitation, she continues to explore opportunities for returning to competitive play and remains involved in teqball, working to grow the sport organically through community engagement and strategic placements of teqball facilities.

Margaret Osmundson's career is a testament to her enduring spirit and her profound impact on women's sports. Her story is not just about personal achievements in soccer and teqball but about breaking barriers and creating opportunities that pave the way for future generations of female athletes. Her legacy is defined by her role as a pioneer, constantly pushing the limits and redefining what is possible in the world of sports.

Here is a list of her accolades:

Soccer:

• 1st Team NSCAA All American

• 2x NSCAA All West Region (1st Team 2015, 2nd Team 2014)

• 4x all CCAA Selection (2012/14 Honorable Mention, 2013 2nd Team, 2015 1st Team)

• 4x all CCAA Tournament Team

• 2023 UWS Player of the Week

• 2023 UWS West Coast 1st Team Selection

Teqball:

• 2x Mixed Double Titles

• 6x Women’s Doubles Titles

• 2x Women’s Doubles World Championships Finalist

• 4th Ranked Women’s Double Team in TeqBall Globally