Fullerton Union High School Softball 2024 Season Preview(CA)

The softball team at Fullerton Union High School has set some lofty goals for themselves this year. They are determined to win the final year of the Freeway League before it disbands and also bring home the CIF Championship. It's been over a decade since they've won a league title, so the team is hungry for success. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Trevor Holton about his thoughts on the team's chances this year. As their coach for the past nine years, Coach Holton has seen the team go through highs and lows, but he has high hopes for this year's group. When asked about the keys to success for the team, Coach Holton stressed the importance of staying humble and never looking past any opponent. He also mentioned the team's relentless dedication to constantly improve and grind in every game. Leading the team this year is a trio of standout players: Malaya Majam-Finch, Zoey Bautista, and Melia Vera. Majam-Finch, a senior, is an All CIF 1st team, All League First Team, and All County 2nd team player. Coach Holton describes her as a great worker, humble, and a superstar who puts the team first. Bautista, also a senior, is the team captain and has a great glove and a clutch hitter. She is known for her maturity and leads by example. Vera, a junior, is consistent, mild-mannered, and finds a way to contribute in every pitch. The team also has a promising freshman pitcher in Katelynn Mathews, who brings a great command of the game and composure. Coach Holton believes that her addition to the team allows them to enter national tournaments with confidence. The team also gained some talented transfers in outfielder Hayley Brock, who will most likely lead off or bat 3rd in the lineup, Emi Todoroki, a corner infielder who will bat in the middle of the lineup and has committed to George Washington, and catcher Abby Lee, a former first-team all-leaguer and a great game manager behind the plate. When it comes to leadership on the team, Coach Holton emphasizes the importance of respect from teammates. He believes that the best leaders lead by example rather than just telling others what to do. Thus, he expects Bautista and Majam-Finch, the team captains, to take on this role for the team.