The California Suncats lit up the club scene last summer finishing 13th at 14U PGF Premier Nationals. FloSoftball spoke to James Jimenez and the Cats' coaching staff who break down the program's success and what you can expect from this core group of talented ladies.

When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be? The organization became an extension of the nationally known Arizona Suncats in August of 2015. That program became a power house of D1 college bound players very quickly which is what I wanted to see happen with the core group of girls I had. Todd Judge of the AZ Suncats and I shared many of the same coaching philosophies as well as a desire to compete with the likes of the SoCal Athletics, Batbusters, Corona Angels etc. I knew with this core group of 14U players we had something special and they deserved to be competing with the best. So we decided to become one of the best.

Where are you based? Where do your athletes come from? All local/some out of state? We are based out of Gilroy, California which is inland to the Central Coast of Northern California. We are roughly 30 minutes south of San Jose. Our athletes come from all parts of California; as far north as Chico and as far south as the Los Angeles area.

What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc)? The group of soon-to-be 14U players wanted to stay under my direction. We were with another organization who wanted me to surrender this 'team' to another coach. With support from the parents of these girls, I was encouraged to find another opportunity that would allow us to stay together and build. The purpose of this team staying together was largely because of their collegiate potential and I wanted to be a part of this process and work with them to become successful. This group became the foundation for the other pieces of our organization to be built.



What have been some of your successes in terms of winning / placing at events? Our biggest success as the California Suncats was this summer, first time to Colorado and our first big tournament since our team had completed high school ball. We were given the opportunity to participate in the Colorado Sparkler Junior Power Play Pool. This was no easy road for us.

We beat Firecrackers Brashear, Cal Breeze, Birmingham Bolts and ended up facing SoCal Athletics Mercado in the Championship game. It was an unreal experience for our athletes because there were always 30+ coaches at our games, watching us warm-up, play and continue to survive in this tough tournament.

We finished second to the SoCal Athletics but really feel like we gained tremendous respect from a team that we had admired and frankly, feared playing against. Throughout the Summer of 2016, we had several other great finishes with some of the other ages but what really set the table for our organization is and continues to be the 'core group' and their accomplishments.

What makes the organization unique? From the outside, we might appear like any other travel team but from the inside, we have some extremely smart softball players. I know I keep going back to the 'core group' but what makes us truly unique is the ability we have to commingle our athletes in practices and games without parents pushing back on the idea. They embrace the fact that their daughter is either teaching or learning from someone who has walked in their path.

I am not easy to play for. I expect A LOT from these girls. I have a military background, in fact my son is serving overseas and I know no other way but perfection. We do funky things like wear shorts like they did back in the day just for the memorable aspect. I want college coaches and our competition to remember us.

We have taken a lot of what the Arizona organization has instilled and it works. If you ever have watched us play, you will know it's us when after an inning huddle is over, we immediately begin our team cheering. I can't stand a quiet dugout and these girls know it. I make our pitches who aren't throwing keep a book on certain things, I have other players keep notes for me on tendencies of the other team, etc. This is just a glimpse into how tight of a ship we run.



What is your softball background and how did you get to point of leading the team? I have been coaching softball for almost 20 years. In the area we are based out of, I wasn't always the most popular coach primarily because I had high expectations. The core group of kids now 16U/18U stayed loyal to me and I have remained their coach and the head of the Calfornia Suncats since inception.

What do you think are the strengths of the team? Team first is our strength. The parents and the girls get this concept 100%. We are unified. Do we have drama…honestly, not really. This makes us strong.

If there is one thing that separates you from other club programs, what would it be? Well, in Northern California, our entire 2019 class is committed to D1 college programs. State and Nationwide, I would have to say our high standards and belief in development. We had parents in the past who want their kids to be a part of our program but don't understand the discipline and feedback that comes with the commitment to this team.

I can recognize a kid who expects a participation trophy for last place and those are not the type of athletes we pursue. I want teams of players who think for themselves, who understand what I expect and realize that there is opportunity out there for them but they have to work for it.

Anything else interesting or fun that I can use to portray your team as a top organization? In keeping with the organization's first theme, when we're at tournaments, I encourage our teams to watch and support others who are playing in the same tournament. If you have a two game break and one of the other teams are playing, take your break, eat and come watch the girls play as a team. This might not seem like a big deal, but look around and you don't see that too often and it brings added cheering, and support to the girls playing.

Meet the CA Suncats

Lexie Webb, P, 1B - 2019 (Committed to the University of South Alabama, Sunbelt Conference) Webb pitches for power (66, 67mph) and has great movement east/west. Her changeup has become very effective. Offensively, a scary hitter to throw to as she can muscle a 3-2 pitch over the fence but also hit the first pitch right back up the middle. We expect her to lead the team this summer and to continue to be the impact player she is.


Jenna Servi, MIF - 2019 (Committed to the University of Louisville, Atlantic Coast Conference) Servi is our lead-off hitter who is also our table setter. She is a speedy triple threat from the left side with the ability to bunt, soft and hard slap. She reads the defense and responds. Uber competitive and expects a lot from herself and her teammates. Defensively, smooth and predicts offenses well. Will make the hard play look easy.


Jalen Ervin, 2B - 2019 (Committed to Boise State, Mountain West Conference) Ervin is a tremendous second baseman that utilizes her high softball IQ and her ability to make quick decisions. Her chemistry with our SS's is truly magical. Offensively, Jalen is a lefty triple threat which includes bunting, slapping and hitting for power. Her speed allows her to consistently increase her on-base percentage. Jalen is one of our best base runners both on a steal and overall runs scored.


Shea Garcia, 3B/1B - 2020 (Uncommitted) Garcia has a tremendous softball IQ. She utilizes this in all aspects of her game. Defensively, a solid corner and a leader on the left side of the field. At the plate, she is a lefty power hitter who is difficult to throw to. Pitch her inside, she hits it, pitch her outside, she hits it. Puts the ball in play and rarely strikes out. Throw any speed of pitching at Shea and she will respond.


Juliana Wilson, C/1B - 2019 (Committed to the University of Central Florida, American Athletic Conference) "Jules" has a big bat and is one of our RBI leaders. She can hit the long ball but also hits to all fields. Defensively, she gives us options in two important areas on the field. She manages our pitching staff well when behind the plate; at 1st base, she protects the ¾ hole well yet can respond to the short game on the right side.


Alohi Apalla, OF - 2019 (Committed to Weber State, Big Sky Conference) Apalla has become a fantastic outfielder who has increased her range and her leadership. She is a triple threat from the left side and has become very reliable at the plate. Speedy baserunner who picks up speed rounding first. Works hard on her game and it's paid off.


Aliyah Robles, OF - 2019 (Committed to Sacramento State, Big Sky Conference) Robles is a small package of power. Her speed is her #1 asset which makes her an amazing outfielder. She can cover a ton of ground including running into a wall to make a catch. At the plate, Aliyah is a triple threat but from the right side. She can bunt for a hit, find a hole for contact and not afraid to swing for the fences with success.


Amber Rodriquez, C - 2019 (Committed to Weber State, Big Sky Conference) Rodriquez is smooth and experienced behind the plate. Try to run on her and good luck! She can pick at all bases and blocks with ease. She also manages our pitching staff well and communicates to the coaches the hitters' tendencies. Offensively, she will find a hole keeping the ball on the ground or hitting line drives. She's not easy to pitch to.


Jessica Rodriquez, P, INF - 2019 (Committed to UNLV, Mountain West Conference) Rodriquez has pitched and won more championship games for us than I can remember. She has amazing spin on the ball, commands her pitches and has a dirty changeup. She can also play SS which when she's not pitching, gets time there as often as we can. Can look like Derek Jeter out there with her 'on the run' throw.


Atalia Quenga, SS, - 2019 (Committed to UNLV, Mountain West Conference) Quenga is a solid defender with great range. She makes amazing plays in the 5/6 hole and up the middle. Offensively, she has big bat potential as well as the ability to hit for contact. She is a great leader for us and will play anywhere to help the team. She has made sliding/diving catches for us in the outfield when we least expect it.


Samantha Parish, C - 2019 (Committed to UNLV, Mountain West Conference) Parish is a hard-nosed catcher with a great arm. She is tough to run on because of her quick release. Offensively, Sam takes no cheap hacks and will continue to make an impact in our lineup.


Christina Chavez, UTL - 2019 (Committed to Fresno State, Mountain West Conference) Chavez is a true utility player. We've seen her at the corners and in the outfield plug holes and have success because of her overall athleticism. She is a power hitter and only getting stronger to take the ball even further over the fence. She's fun to watch at the plate.


Vanessa Gonzales, P - 2018 (Uncommitted) Gonzales has a unique windup that allows her pitches to sneak up on you. She has great command of her pitches including a hard to pick up knuckle ball and is effective with her movement.


Annabelle Gutierrez, UTL - 2019 (Committed to Weber State, Big Sky Conference) Gutierrez is a defensive short game specialist. She can read a bunt or soft slap, get to the ball and make a super star throw to 1st. Offensively, she is a consistent hitter with gap power but also leads the team in hit-by-pitches.


Makenna Weiler, UTL -2018 (Uncommitted) Weiler is a true utility player who can play anywhere but pitch. She has 'big moment' ability which is why she is successful for us when the game is on the line; she steps up and makes things happen.


Paige Blackwell, P - 2018 (Uncommitted) Blackwell is a great pick up for us; lefty pitcher who can move the ball quite well. She has lots of big game experience and should give us some new opportunities with a lefty on the mound. I'm excited to watch her this summer.


Makayla Garcia, UTL - 2018 (Uncommitted) Garcia is new to the team. Very athletic and excited to see her play and develop this season.


Tayah Hernandez, INF - 2019 (Uncommitted) Hernandez is new player to our team with lots of experience. Looking to make the team better. She's a hard hitting lefty who we expect to become a run generator for us.