“The people Nessa was hanging out with, all these juniors and seniors, told her, ‘No way in hell are they going to approve this, especially coming from a freshman like you,’” remembered Kevin “Skippy” Givens, UC Santa Cruz’s sports clubs director. An earlier softball team had only played in Santa Cruz city league games. “I went right back to the dorm and started making fliers on my computer,” said Esparza, who then hopped on her mountain bike and began tacking notices announcing a fast-pitch softball meeting all over campus.įifteen women showed up and signed a petition to establish the first women’s competitive fast-pitch softball team at UC Santa Cruz. I would like to be there for people who can’t cope.”īut it was hard for her to cope with the idea of not having softball in her life.Įsparza, who also plays guitar and does standup comedy, tried rugby, but a hard hit to her head convinced her the sport wasn’t for her. “It’s good to have someone be there for you and I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I’ve been through a lot,” said Esparza, who hopes to become a clinical psychologist. “Growing up, I went through a lot of hardship with my family. Intent on going to college, Esparza got an offer to play for Utah University but, because there was no scholarship, she turned instead to UC Santa Cruz where the psychology department’s reputation drew her in. She became known as someone who could make big plays and bat cleanup. “She loved me more than anyone,” Esparza said.īy age 13, Esparza was playing travel ball and later was named captain of her junior varsity team at West Torrance High School, winning an award for the best offensive player. “I was the chubby girl but I was a big hitter.”Įsparza’s grandmother drove her young charge to practice and tournaments, pushed her to do well in school, and even ferried her to friends’ events. “I was not the fastest one on the team,” Esparza said. To understand what Esparza did next requires a little background.Īt age 7, Esparza left a turbulent home life to live with her “Nana,” a quiet woman who introduced her granddaughter to softball, the sport Esparza came to love. “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want to be here,’” said Esparza (College Eight ’18, psychology). So when, as a freshman, she went to the annual Fall Festival put on by UC Santa Cruz’s Office of Physical Education, Recreation and Sports and discovered there was no fast-pitch softball team, she felt unmoored. It gave her confidence as she slammed the ball into the outfield, a power hitter who also played aggressive defense. It dulled the ache of a family that was split apart. It kept her away from the drugs and alcohol that surrounded her teenage years.
Fast-pitch softball changed 19-year-old Nessa Esparza’s life.
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