Diamond Gals 2022

I never dreamed I’d be in my 50’s still playing softball. I started playing fast pitch softball at age 7. I played all through high school as a catcher.

 After high school I went on to play two more years for 

Ohlone College as their catcher and left fielder. 

I loved softball more than studying in college, but I had to get serious 

about finishing my Marketing degree at San Jose State, so I stopped playing softball. It was not long after that, I ran into Hugh McLaughlin, who had been trying to recruit me for his co-ed competitive team. It was at a tournament in Carson City, Nevada, I had a terrible softball accident that ended my softball career- a torn knee, broken elbow, and torn shoulder—I was done ever playing again.  The one good thing that came out of co-ed softball was that I ended up marrying my softball coach. Hugh and I have been married 29 years. 

We moved to Del Webb 1 1/2 years ago from Tracy. My parents have lived here at Del Webb 12 years.  You can find my mom Millie in the 

stands of every Diamond Gals game, rooting me on, just 

like she did when I was 7 years old!  

I joined the Diamond Gals team last year to meet new friends. I never thought I would be playing softball again, but it is still in my blood. I love the camaraderie among the Diamond Gals. I love watching players gain confidence and grow in their skills set. I can only hope that my love for softball can inspire my teammates to keep going after that ball and swinging those bats. 

The most important thing is we are having fun playing together.

 When I was in the seventh grade, my school hired their first ever girls’ PE teacher (1972).  I learned softball through her instruction and loved it! In high school, I learned to chart (keep score) for the boys’ teams, and now, when I watch the Giants play, I will often chart the game.  When I got out of college, I had the fortune to play on a company softball team through the city of Fresno - which is where I got to know my adorable husband Dan.  

After we had children, we started a coed softball team and played 

about 10 years. When I got into teaching, I coached girls’ softball 

at my middle school for eight years.  That is why, when we first drove into Del Webb, I knew it was the place for us with its glorious softball field!  

I have played two seasons for the Diamond Gals.  For the second half of the season last year, I became a coach with three other wonderful ladies.  This year I am an assistant coach for Candace McLaughlin.  

Last year I volunteered to chart the men’s games and plan to do the same in the future.  It has been an honor to work with the Diamond Gals players; they are all so nice.  The players I have met through Del Webb softball have certainly enhanced my living experience here.  

Other than the predictable pulled hamstring and sore arm, what’s not to love about softball at Del Webb?