Hawaiian connection serving Stanislaus State softball quite well

Three Hawaii natives on the Stanislaus State softball team are about to get a fourth this fall.

It’s no coincidence.

Head coach Jessica Ventoza, whose Warriors (18-29) host Humboldt State on Thursday and Friday in back-to-back doubleheaders, said she loves the type of talent and leadership that comes from the Aloha state.

“I have always had good relationships with a handful of coaches from Hawaii. I love the culture, morals, values and what these young women stand for,” said Ventoza, “That is why I recruit from Hawaii and why we have a special connection.”

Lia Tom, Maya Yoshiura and Joerdan Lovell are not just great athletes with great work ethics, but they are also great teammates, Ventoza said.

Ventoza is two victories shy of career win No. 100, and she credits the Hawaiian connection.

“(They are the) first to serve their teammates or myself, first to volunteer, first to help when there is something wrong, and they are dedicated and loyal,” Ventoza said. “Those are all qualities that I want in our program. They make everyone around them better people.”

Tom is a junior from Kailua.

“I honestly feel a little proud that I was a part of the first wave of Hawaiian athletes to come to Stanislaus,” said Tom, “I hoped that when I came here I would be able to spark a little fire and show that Hawaiian athletes have something to offer to college programs (off the islands).”

Lovell, a sophomore from Kapolei who has started 46 games this season at first base, said a lot of athletes from Hawaii dream of playing college ball.

“God has blessed me with this incredible opportunity to play the sport I love and further my education,” she said. “The opportunity has given me a chance to share my island roots with my softball sisters, while experiencing new cultures and possibilities.”

Lovell said she met Ventoza at a softball camp in Oahu.

“Coach said she loved the way the island girls played the game and the passion and respect they have for softball,” said Lovell.

Yoshiura, a sophomore from Mililani who leads the team with four home runs, agreed with her coach that the connection with Hawaii comes from the work ethic of the players.

Yoshiura, a third baseman and catcher who has started 43 games this year, said that Ventoza gave her the opportunity to broaden her horizons.

“While I was searching for colleges, I knew that I wanted to broaden my experiences and try to go to college outside of Hawaii,” she said.

Cherise Mori, another Mililani High standout, will join the Warriors this fall. She signed a letter of intent to come to Stan State in January.

“I could not be prouder of these three and could not be more thankful that they are here,” Ventoza said. “It is truly an honor to be their coach and to lead them, they teach me something every single day.”