Softball:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

A pandemic may have cut Julia Valenzuela’s high school athletic career short, but it couldn’t diminish in the slightest her role in taking the Westridge softball program to its high-water mark in 2019.

Valenzuela teamed with senior star Deijah Bradley, freshman sensation Hailey Yoshida and the rest of their teammates to the school’s first ever CIF-SS Division 7 title game appearance.

And while it had a less than perfect ending (3-0 loss to Western Christian), the run Westridge went on was both magical and historic.

The Tigers defeated Coastal Christian (22-2), Vasquez (5-0), Whitney (2-1) and Mayfield (6-4) to earn its spot against the Fighting Lancers in Irvine.

Fast forward to 2020, and Westridge was off to a pretty good start, which included its first Prep League victory over Pasadena Poly (4-2 on March 5) in more than a decade.

Valenzuela began her senior campaign on a high note as well.

She raised her batting average 138 points to .438 from just a year ago, and her seven hits in just six games was on pace to easily surpass last season’s tally of 15 hits in 21 games.

Valenzuela’s on-base percentage (.571) was nearly 100 points higher, tying Hailey Yoshida for the team lead.

Valenzuela started playing softball at age six and was a four-year varsity starter at the Pasadena school.

She also played softball’s most physically taxing position, catching Yoshida and the rest of the Tigers’ staff.

Valenzuela has a number of fond memories, but none more than defeating Prep League foe, Mayfield, 4-2, in last year’s semifinal contest.

“I grew up with the Domingo sisters (Jaylin & Julia) and played softball with them. So to compete against Mayfield in the semifinals, getting a key hit to drive in two runs, winning and making high school history was the greatest memory.”

Westridge coach Karen Hanselman said Valenzuela was ready to play varsity softball while just being a sixth grader and one of the area’s biggest stars, Hailey Yoshida, called her a great teammate who always had a positive attitude and was eager any time a younger teammate needed some help or direction.

For those who enjoyed watching her play, the sad truth (for her supporters) is that Julia is foregoing a future softball career to focus on her studies at Loyola Marymount University’s school of business administration.

Her time at Westridge will always be special and those hellacious hours with her nose in a book will certainly pay off as she prepares to map out her life as a young adult.

She called Westridge a mini Ivy League School, that is highly academic and rigorous.

“The education I received from Westridge has prepared me for life. With the amount of school work, I learned to ‘just do it.’ Being a student-athlete, I learned time management and not to procrastinate. The education I received definitely prepared me for college and life. Westridge has made me strong, mindful and independent young adult.”

Her career numbers includes a batting average around .335, with 47 hits, 44 runs, 43 RBIs and 14 doubles.

Outside of Westridge, she ended her travel ball career with Firecrackers – Ramos.

Valenzuela holds many championship and runner-up accolades with USA Softball, Triple Crown Sports, USSSA, and AFA national softball organizations.

She was always near the top of every offensive statistic for Hanselman’s program, but it was her selflessness in doing whatever the team needed, the sacrifices she made for all and the genuine leadership skills that hold her in high reverence with her teammates, coaches and those affiliated with Westridge.

Finally, we asked Valenzuela to talk a little about those she wants to credit with her solid 12-year career in both travel and high school softball.

Said Julia Valenzuela: “I want to thank my parents, Christine and Richard, who have given me an opportunity to get a great education from Westridge. I especially want to thank my mother for all the years and weekends of softball, both coaching and supporting me. Even when I made the decision not to play in college, she was very supportive. I also appreciate my aunts, especially Michelle, for her words of advice. Lastly, I want to thank some of my coaches. Firecrackers – Coach Mike, thank you for always being there for me and pushing me, even when I didn’t want to be pushed. Your humor lifted me. Coach Rauuuul, I’m working on having filters. I know you will miss me. My hitting coach Todd, who passed away suddenly last summer, thank you for all of your advice and hitting instruction. My high school coaches, Karen, Ginnie, and Allison, we made history together! Thank you for all the great times and your friendship. I love you guys. “Ocho Out”

Quotable:

Westridge softball coach, Karen Hanselman: “I knew Julia was something very special when I first laid eyes on her, way back in fourth grade. By the time she was in sixth grade, she was literally ready to play varsity softball for us. That type of athlete comes around so rarely. Yet, we had to be patient and wait three more years for that dream to come true. Her contributions to the team these past four years are immeasurable. As a player, she is dedicated and consistent. Her work ethic is beyond compare. Julia also took on the role of “player-coach” on the field. She mentored many new players—not just players new to the team, but also new to the sport. Her patience, game experience and knowledge were a gift over her four-year tenure. Like so many seniors, Julia deserved a real season. One last run for the title. I am sad they will not have the chance. We celebrate Julia and her accomplishments. I know I speak for my entire coaching staff that she is “one-of-a-kind” that will be sorely missed.”

Westridge athletic director, Melanie Horn: “Julia has been committed to Westridge softball since she arrived as a lower-school student. Her passion for the game and her school is unparalleled. Not only is she an amazing athlete, she is an exceptional teammate. Julia was a very big part of the team’s ability to advance to CIF-SS finals last year. Her ability to play several positions, and play them well, is one of the hallmarks of her incredible career. We will certainly miss our Julia!”

Former Westridge star, Deijah Bradley: “After knowing Julia for ten years, I say without hesitation that having a great friend in my life has made me so grateful. On and off the softball field, we have always had a friendship that I knew would last a lifetime. I am so excited to see what she achieves in the future and to be by her side through all of her successes because her drive and passion are qualities that I admire. One of my favorite memories with Julia was when I joined another softball team and played against her years after knowing the Valenzuela family. From the age of ten, I grew used to the idea of playing on the same team as my best friend, but having to call pitches from behind the plate when she was up to bat is something I will always remember. Even throughout high school, we spent three years on the same team, working towards making school history by playing in a CIF game. During my senior year of high school, we made memories by playing in the Division VII CIF championship, and the journey to reach that point will never be forgotten. Julia is a compassionate, empathetic, and overall, amazing person, and I will always cherish our sister-like bond.”

Westridge sophomore pitcher, Hailey Yoshida: “Julia’s positive attitude and confidence made her a very likable teammate. She has a great relationship with everybody on the team. Julia was the first to volunteer to demonstrate a drill or explain a play whenever there was any confusion. Any time anybody needed help with anything, we knew we could ask Julia. This season, she took the freshmen and our new players under her wing. It was great to see the relationship that she was able to build with them in the short amount of time that our team was together. Julia is a very determined person. When she wants something, she works hard to get it. It is truly impressive that she was able to be a great softball player and also be an accomplished student. Even off of the field, Julia is a natural leader and she is admired by many.”

Julia Valenzuela’s Career Stats at Westridge:

2020: .438, seven hits, four runs, four RBIs, .571 on-base percentage, four walks.

2019: .300, 15 hits, 15 runs, 19 RBIs, seven doubles, one triple, one home run, .478 on-base percentage, four walks.

2018 .205, eight hits, seven runs, seven RBIs, two doubles, one triple, .354 on-base percentage, seven walks

2017: .395, 17 hits, 18 runs, 13 RBIs, five doubles, two home runs, .500 on-base percentage, seven walks

Westridge Record w/Julia Valenzuela:

2020: 2-3-1 overall, 2-1 in Prep League games

2019: 13-8, 7-5

2018: 5-11, 3-9

2017: 5-10, 4-8