More than just an game

***Disclaimer: The Reporter, Cari Nelson, is a Member of The Eisenhower Softball Team

The lady eagles are focused, motivated, and not yet finished. They are pursuing wins while having a great time along the way, with bats swinging and enthusiasm soaring. Making memories every step of the journey. With a 9-5 overall record and a 5-3 league record, Eisenhower softball has drawn attention this season. The Eisenhower softball team isn’t just aiming for victories, they’re creating a new standard. Beyond wins, this season has been about leadership, growth, and an atmosphere that make this team unique.

   A team that consistently delivers is the motivation behind every ending, every play, and every win. The Lady Eagles squad this season is made up of knowledgeable seniors, on the rise juniors, and bold freshmen who each have something special to offer the field. Every player, from shutdown defenders to lethal hitters, help significantly with the chemistry that the softball girls have developed. Here are the 2025 Eisenhower softball players: Monica Esparza (Jr., 2B), Cari Nelson (Sr., LF/CF), Jocelyn Taberes (Sr., OF), Milani Paige (Fr., CF), Cambria Cortez (Jr., RF), Azalea Baca (Jr., LF/3B), Jenna Vallin (Sr., RHP/3B), Alondra Hernandez (Sr., SS), Nadyia Rameriez (Jr., 1B/RF), Paige Hamner (So. C). Head coach Dunbar-Smalls and assistant coaches Marshean August and Nadine Garrincha are guiding this team from the dugout. These strong women are shaped by their commitment, leadership, and experience, having faith in one another and themselves.

Strong bonds are the foundation of any successful team, and the lady eagles have built thiers with hustle, humor, and trust. The enthusiasm never fades, whether they are working hard during practices or supporting one another in a difficult inning. This season the team has grown closer with memorable team bondings taking them to the next level. Starting off the school year exchanging Halloween baskets, having playful dress up halloween practices, thrilling pot lucks, and anticipated secret santa’s. To midseason wet slipping slide practices and mid practice slushie runs. The Eisenhower softball team knows how to captivate a good time. The Lady Eagles have their own routines to establish relationships and lock in before the first pitch is even thrown. They redirect themselves as a team and set the tone with gratitude and consideration as they gather in a circle to pray. Then there’s a change in energy, with laughter and fast hands taking control. These mini-games, which range from playing medusa, to throwing a ball around the circle and catching it with one hand at the top without dropping, maintain a light yet focused atmosphere. It’s more than just a warm-up, it’s how they align, build excitement, and enter the field as a team.

This team’s accomplishments on the field are difficult to put simply, yet several players have left an unforgettable impression. These females have demonstrated what it means to rise above, whether it be through leadership, stats, or crucial situations. Milani Paige, a rookie sensation who has a team high record .545 batting average, 30 hits, and 20 runs, is leading the charge for the lady Eagles this season. Milani displays confidence and intensity well beyond her years, whether she’s stealing bases or making huge outfield plays. Another important force has been senior Cari Nelson, who leads with both her bat and her voice. She is well known for her coming in clutch hitting and team high 13 RBIs. She is a threat on both sides of the ball because of her speed, which is demonstrated by her four triples and .962 fielding percentage. Sophomore Paige Hamner serves as a boulder behind the plate, achieving an .964 fielding percentage while leading the team with an on base percentage of .614. She is the team’s Glue because of her reliability and controlled demeanor. Senior Jenna Vallin, who leads at the plate and has a team best 3.47 ERA, adds composure and power to the mound and helps with crucial doubles in close games. These individuals collectively have contributed to the team’s identity this season, which is brave, laser focused, and full of fire. 

Eisenhower softball has created some thrilling chapters this season, and every game tells a story. Whether it’s cheering over major wins or taking lessons from close defeats, every game has forced the team to become closer. Although significant wins are always exciting, a season is really defined by its difficult moments, the ones that try one’s heart and persistence. “I don’t know, I tend to think about the times when things weren’t going our way and you guys were able to push through and make things happen to support one another and when that happened, it’s like magic,” said head coach Dunbar-Smalls. For example, when the Lady Eagles had fallen behind San Bernardino in the game, and unanticipated players showed up and played a significant role. She recalled crucial moments such as an essential triple in an extremely high-pressure position that changed the course of events and Jocelyn Tabares’s squeeze bunt that resulted in a run. She was 100% right when she added, “You may not remember the final score, but you remember the moment.” This season, the Lady Eagles have had many memorable moments, including highlight celebrations and recovering attempts. This team demonstrated that they are always up for a fight, either it is by defending fierce competitors like Carter and San Gorgonio or by sweeping teams like Indian Springs and Notre Dame. Few rivalries are as tough for them when it comes to defending their home field as playing Colton, where every play feels personal and every inning calls for their best effort.

Softball is a symbol of commitment, history, and passion at Eisenhower. It creates a culture where hard effort is valued and every player has an opportunity to shine by bringing together student’s, coaches, families, and supporters. Softball players develop time management, discipline, and handling pressure given hard situations, and can go well beyond the field. This team is always improving, whether it’s in juggling practice and school or learning how to form mistakes. There is a genuine bond between peers. Through every victory, setback, and lengthy practice, they help one another. Strong friendship and a strong team are the results of connection. In the end, softball isn’t the only aspect. One pitch at a time, it’s about the people, the moments, and the legacy being created.

The Lady Eagles desire to compete and this season are both ongoing. They are using game, grace, and determination to write their story one inning at a time. One thing that is certain is this squad is creating something strong regardless of whether it results in a championship or just well earned respect.