The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
Cabrillo softball begins a new chapter this Spring under first-year head coach Natalie Afoa, who brings local ties, competitive experience and a renewed focus on fundamentals to a program eager to rebuild.
Afoa’s connection to Cabrillo runs deeper than the dugout. Her son Micah previously played for the school’s baseball team and her daughter is now a freshman on campus. The timing, she said, finally felt right.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for the past few years,” Afoa said. “Every time I inquired about it, the positions were filled. Then this past summer, I just took a leap of faith. My daughter’s starting here, and it just felt like perfect timing.”
Afoa grew up playing competitive softball in Wilmington and competed at Carson High, where she developed a strong foundation in the game that now shapes her coaching philosophy. That background is rooted in disciplined play and accountability and is central to her approach as she looks to establish stability within the program.
“It’s basically starting from the ground up,” Afoa said. “There was no stable foundation. A lot of talented athletes from the west side of Long Beach go elsewhere. We want to keep those girls here and build something solid.”
That rebuilding effort has started with structure. Practices have been longer and more detailed than in previous seasons, with an emphasis on skill development and consistency.
“I want to see what you learned and put it on the field,” Afoa said. “Development is my priority. I’m not expecting playoffs or championships this year. I just want growth.”
Senior Samantha Chavez has already noticed the difference.
“I really like coach Natalie,” Chavez said. “She has taught us a lot of new things, and she’s definitely improved our program. We’ve been working until like 4:30 every day, even in the offseason, just trying to improve our program and make it better.”
Chavez said the added structure has strengthened team chemistry as well.
“Yes, I think it has brought the team closer,” she said. “Staying later has definitely improved our skills, and I can see the teamwork, everyone just cheering each other on. It has definitely brought us closer, and I’m excited to see where the season takes us.”
Several players are already stepping into key roles. Camila Johnson has impressed defensively behind the plate, while Tia Afoa is emerging as a versatile option in the circle and at third base.
As for Chavez, she’s focused on making the most of her final season.
“For myself, I kind of just want to enjoy my last year as a senior,” she said. “I just want to continue to come out for my team, be there and show my teamwork.”
The Jaguars opened the season against St. Pius X St. Matthias and then they host Firebaugh before going on a four-game road trip.
They’ll open Moore League action on March 12 against Compton.
Projected Starters:
C: Camila Johnson (Fr.)
P/3B: Tia Afoa (Fr.)
2B: Samantha Chavez (Sr.)
SS: Irma Ramirez (Jr.)
1B: Fatima Gallegos (So.)
LF: Esmeralda Sanchez (Fr.)
CF: Ariel Avina (So.)
RF: Emily Bramosco (Fr.)
