Fullerton named 2024 ATEC/NFCA Cal JC National Coaching Staff of the Year
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Coming off its first state championship in 44 years, Fullerton College was named the 2024 ATEC/NFCA Cal JC National Coaching Staff of the Year, the Association announced on Tuesday.
Co-head coaches Crystal Aguirre and Marian "Speedy" Mendoza, along with assistants Celina Gonzalez, Jill Saiza, Ru Andrade, Diana Alcala, Brian Iseri, and John Ramirez, steered Fullerton to its first 3C2A state title since 1980. As the state's No. 1 ranked program, the Hornets capped off their title-winning run with a 6-2 victory over defending state champion Cypress in the winner-take-all-game. Fullerton charged through the postseason with an 8-2 record, which included bouncing back from a game-one loss to Cerritos in Super Regionals, and opened the Championships with three victories before meeting up with Cypress.
With the eight wins, Fullerton earned the distinction as the winningest team in program history (44-6), surpassing the 1988 squad that posted 41 victories. Additionally, the Hornets enjoyed an undefeated run through Orange Empire play (21-0). The pitching staff finished 2024 with the 3C2A's lowest WHIP (0.83) and ranked in the top five in ERA (2nd / 1.25), batting average against (2nd / .180) and shutouts (5th / 15). On the offensive side of the ball, they topped the charts with 23 triples and 62 sacrifice hits, ranked third in base hits (461), fifth in total bases (586) and sixth in batting average (.346) and runs scored (290).
Aguirre, Mendoza, Gonzalez and Andrade will be recognized at the NFCA Awards Brunch on Dec. 7 at the 2024 NFCA Convention in Dallas, Texas.
*Story and picture courtesy of Brian Stanley, NFCA Director of Communications