TEMECULA – With a load of talent, a great fan base, and some outstanding coaching, the 14U TVGSA All-Star Gold team has been grinding their way through the summer tournaments, in hopes of playing on a national stage. Those hopes recently turned into reality when they placed fourth, out of twenty-two teams, at the USA Softball State tournament last weekend. Not only did they compete well there, but the hardware has also been rolling in as they were 2023 Corona Diamond 14u Gold Champions, the 2023 USA Softball 14u Gold Districts Finalists, and as the 2023 Escondido Freedom 14u Gold Champions.
Adding to all their success, the team has qualified to represent the area in the USA Softball Western National Championships in Roseville, CA, starting next week from Monday, July 24, through Saturday, July 30. USA Softball of Sacramento will host this prestigious tournament.
Program Director Karla Burket says she takes deep pride in hosting a National Championship of this caliber and anticipates an incredible week for all to enjoy some of the best fastpitch softball in the country. “We hope these team take home memories that they can treasure for many years to come.”
The TVGSA 14U Gold team will be in Northern California for a full week, which is the longest they have had to be on the road for a tournament this summer according to coach Fernando Cortez. “Our tournaments have only taken place over the course of a weekend up until this point, so they are pretty excited for this opportunity to compete to take home another softball title.”
Cortez is no stranger to teaching what it takes to compete at a high level, in fact, if the name sounds familiar, it is because Fernando is a former Major League Baseball player that spent his career with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Kansas City Royals organizations. Cortez was drafted to the Rays in 2001 with the 259th pick overall, out of Grossmont College.
While he last played for the Royals in 2007, Cortez and his family relocated to the area a few years back where he opened his own facility to help train players and also found himself getting into real estate. His daughter, Madison, took to the game and has excelled on the softball field, making this her third time being an all-star. Fernando stepped up to the plate to help coach when she was in 12U and while he focused more on older teams this past year, he decided to help out with this year’s 14U Gold team.
“I didn’t want to let this opportunity get past me,” says Cortez. “She will be headed off to Temecula Valley High School this year, and who knows how busy she will be as a student athlete.”
The TVGSA All-Star team is currently looking for any help from the community that will help the families with costs to help cover expenses for traveling, eating and hotel accommodations while they take care of business on the field.
“Please know that no amount is too small,” added Cortez. “Your ongoing backing and support of our players is truly appreciated.”
The complete roster for the Sacramento bound all-stars from Temecula includes: Madison Clark, Julia Handschumacher, Imani Jaylynn Hill, Chloe Kosch, Charlotte Lampkin, Linda Leon, Paige Linehan, Carmella Mahoney, Samantha Myers, Brooklyn Najar, Blue Putman, and Kailah Smith. Coaches: Fernando Cortez, Adam Najar, Swade Hill, Kevin Linehan.
For more information on helping the TVGSA All-Stars, visit www.app.99pledges.com/fund/tvgsa14uallstarsnationals. To find out more information about the USA Softball National Championships, visit www.usasoftballsacramento.org.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.
