The Pacific Coast Fastpitch League (PCFL) is proud to name Leanna Garcia the PCFL’s 18U Fall Spotlight Athlete for 2021.
Garcia, a 2022 Cal State Fullerton signee and member of Breakers Labs 18U Gold, threw 106 innings of work. During that stretch, she posted a 13-4-3 record with 123 strikeouts, a 1.38 ERA. She also contributed at the plate with a .407 batting average.
Q: Tell us a little bit about you and your softball story?
A: I started playing T-Ball with the boys for my first two years and went to softball in SU. It was not always easy, I remember the first time I tried out for All-Stars and I didn’t make the team; Gold, Silver or Bronze. I was devastated. At that moment, something clicked and I told myself I would work as hard as I could to never experience that feeling again. That summer I pitched every single day with my dad. The next season I made the Gold Team and never stopped pushing myself to be better. I have been a part of the Breakers Org for the past 7 years where I have made a family that supports me through everything. I could not be where I am today without the support of my family, my pitching Coach Brooke Moses and especially my mom and dad. I am so thankful for the opportunities and accomplishments we’ve achieved and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds.
Q: What is your favorite softball memory?
A: My favorite softball memory was this past summer at PGF where we placed 3rd in Platinum. I did very well and pitched 9 playoff games with a total of 83Ks. In one particular game I threw a no-hitter with 19Ks. We won 1-0. It was an amazing pitcher’s duel. I was so proud of my team for all the work we put in.
Since coming out of rec ball, Lee has been a joy to coach. She has learned to become such a great leader. She personifies what hard work and dedication can accomplish on and off the playing field. She is able to maintain a healthy balance of school and softball. A great part of her success comes from her family, particularly her mom and dad who are there for her during the times of success but more importantly through times of
struggle. I have had the pleasure to watch her mature and grow into a one of a kind athlete. Once in a while a player comes along that has the it-factor, that is Leanna. At times I catch myself watching her compete as a fan, instead of a coach. I am going to miss her when she continues on in her softball career but I can not wait to watch the success in college.