UCLA Softball: A Legacy of Excellence in Women’s College Athletics: UCLA Softball began its journey in 1975, and it didn’t take long for the team to make an impact. Under legendary coaching and with relentless team spirit, the Bruins quickly became a force in the NCAA. UCLA won its first national title in 1982 and has continued to be a top contender ever since.
As of 2024, UCLA Softball has claimed 13 NCAA national championships, making it one of the most successful programs in the history of women’s college sports.
Coaching Greatness
A key to UCLA’s continued success lies in its coaching staff. Icons like Sue Enquist and, more recently, Kelly Inouye-Perez have carried the torch of excellence. Inouye-Perez, a former UCLA catcher herself, has kept the Bruins competitive at the highest level, emphasizing discipline, player development, and the storied tradition of UCLA athletics.
Top Talent, Year After Year
UCLA has been home to some of the greatest softball players to ever step on the diamond. Stars like Lisa Fernandez, Natasha Watley, and Rachel Garcia not only dominated at the collegiate level but also represented Team USA on the global stage. The program consistently attracts top high school recruits who are drawn to the school’s winning culture and academic excellence.
UCLA Softball Roster 2025: Meet the Bruins Poised for Championship Glory
The 2025 UCLA Bruins softball team is gearing up for another stellar season under the guidance of Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the roster is set to make a significant impact in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.Wikipedia
🔹 Pitching Powerhouses
- Taylor Tinsley (Jr.) – A standout pitcher, Tinsley earned a spot on D1Softball’s Preseason D100 Player Rankings and was named a Softball America Preseason All-American.
- Kaitlyn Terry (So.) – Known for her dominant postseason performances, Terry played a crucial role in UCLA’s return to the Women’s College World Series.
- Jada Cecil (Sr.) – A seasoned senior, Cecil brings invaluable experience to the pitching staff.
🔹 Dynamic Infielders
- Megan Grant (Jr.) – A versatile utility player, Grant led all 2025 returners with a .335 batting average and 41 RBIs in the previous season.
- Jordan Woolery (Jr.) – A reliable infielder, Woolery contributed 10 home runs last season, showcasing her power at the plate.
- Seneca Curo (Gr.) – A graduate student, Curo adds depth and leadership to the infield.
- Kaniya Bragg (Fr.) – A top recruit, Bragg was honored as the 2024 CIF Player of the Year and is expected to make an immediate impact.
🔹 Talented Catchers
- Jayla Castro (Sr.) – A senior catcher, Castro brings experience and stability behind the plate.
- Sofia Mujica (Fr.) – A freshman catcher, Mujica tied for the CIF home run record with 60, adding offensive strength to the catching position.
🔹 Outfield Standouts
- Jessica Clements (Gr.) – A graduate transfer from Cal Poly, Clements was named the Big West Player of the Year in 2024 and is expected to bolster the outfield.
- Lauren Hatch (Sr.) – A senior outfielder, Hatch provides veteran leadership and consistency in the outfield.
- Liesl Osteen (So.) – A sophomore outfielder, Osteen aims to build on her freshman season and contribute significantly in the outfield.
🔹 Utility Players
- Rylee Pinedo (Jr.) – A junior utility player, Pinedo offers flexibility and depth to the roster.
- Taylor Stephens (Sr.) – A senior utility player, Stephens brings experience and versatility to the team.
🔹 Coaching Staff
The Bruins are led by Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, now in her 18th season, with support from Associate Head Coach Lisa Fernandez and Assistant Coaches Kirk Walker, Madilyn Nickles-Camarena, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Will Oldham.
🔹 Looking Ahead
With a balanced roster featuring experienced players and talented newcomers, the 2025 UCLA Bruins softball team is poised for success. Fans can expect an exciting season as the team competes for conference titles and aims to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Gabriela Jaquez: UCLA’s Dual-Sport Dynamo Bridging Basketball and Softball
🏀 From Basketball Courts to Softball Diamonds
Gabriela Jaquez, a standout forward on the UCLA women’s basketball team, has always been a versatile athlete. Before her basketball career took off, she was a key player on her high school softball team at Adolfo Camarillo High School, where she played third base and helped lead the team to a CIF Southern Section title. Her .271 career batting average and speed on the bases made her a formidable presence on the field.
In May 2024, as the UCLA softball team prepared for the NCAA tournament, Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez sought to bolster the team’s speed and depth. With approval from basketball Coach Cori Close, Jaquez was added to the softball roster as a pinch runner. This move marked her return to the sport she had loved since childhood, and she wore number 32 for the Bruins during their postseason run.
🏆 Achievements in Both Sports
Basketball Highlights
- 2023-24 Season: Jaquez played 34 games, starting six, and averaged 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
- 2024-25 Season: She was instrumental in leading the Bruins to their first NCAA Women’s Final Four appearance, averaging 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.
Softball Contributions
- 2024 Postseason: As a pinch runner, Jaquez added speed and versatility to the softball team’s lineup during their NCAA tournament run.
🌟 A Legacy of Dual-Sport Athletes at UCLA
Jaquez joins a distinguished list of UCLA athletes who have excelled in multiple sports. Notably, Kristee Porter was a standout in volleyball, basketball, and track & field, earning All-American honors in each. Jaquez’s ability to contribute to both basketball and softball continues this proud tradition of multi-sport excellence at UCLA.
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