The Pacific Coast Fastpitch League (PCFL) is excited to spotlight Citlaly Valencia as the August Co Player of the Month. Valencia is pitcher and 1st basemen for OC Batbusters Fernandez.
In August, the 2026 had an impressive showing on them mound. Valencia pitched 49 innings and secured a 5-0 record. She tallied up 56 strike outs and posted a 1.29 ERA and 1.14 WHP. Her performance for the month of August earned her a spot as the most outstanding player on the AFCS All-Tournament team.
How did you get started?
I got a start in softball when my older sister joined a Rec Ball league near our home in Santa Ana. I really enjoyed watching her play and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I played in that league for two years before we moved on to Fountain Valley Girls Fastpitch where I met my current coach and manager of OC Batbusters Fernandez, Coach Saul. I played there from 8U through the first year of 10U.
Softball has taught me so many valuable life lessons. I’ve learned some of these lessons early on. My competitiveness is one of the things that defines me as a person and a player. My parents have always taught me to never make excuses. I remember (one season) not being selected to play for the summer Gold All Star team. I was really disappointed I didn’t make the team. The following fall season, I dragged my parents to the park almost every single day. I was committed to working hard and nothing was going to stop me from making the team the next summer. As a result of all my hard work, I made the Gold All Star Team that year and later that year joined my first travel team with my current coach from OC Batbusters Fernandez, Coach Saul Fernandez.
I’ve been on OC Batbusters Fernandez for almost four years, and I love playing softball. Our team plays the best teams in the country, and we never shy away from competition. Our coach believes that if you want to be the best, you must play the best. Playing softball at a very high level requires mental toughness. I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to play at this level through all the ups and downs, the blood, sweat, tears, and mental blocks without the support of my family. They are my biggest fans, and I am truly thankful for them. My siblings are my biggest inspiration and they have always taught me to be humble. I am a firm believer that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
Favorite Softball memory-
One of my biggest accomplishments for me in softball, and a memory that I will always remember, was winning the 2022 Tier 2 Alliance National Championship. I will never forget how hard we worked, and how hard my team battled through all the injuries and the adversity.
Coaches Feedback-
Citalaly “Laly” Valencia has qualities about her that coaches want to see in every player. She is a fierce competitor and wants the ball in her hand during the biggest games. She will never make an excuse and she will respond to any adversity by working harder.
What really makes Laly special is her work ethic. She will outwork anyone that stands in her way. I’ve been coaching for 19 years, and I have never coached a player who is as humble and works harder than this young lady. Anyone who has ever played with/against or coached Laly will tell you what a special player she is. I see the player of the month posts and I think of how hard this kid works and “what if” they knew her, they would know how deserving she is. To have her recognized for her hard work and achievements makes me extremely happy and proud.
What is the Alliance Fastpitch Player Recognition Program?
The Player Recognition Program was built to recognize and spotlight our individual players in each Member League. Each month, registered Alliance Fastpitch coaches can nominate a player from their age division. League Leadership will review nominations and a monthly stats report from AthletesGoLive (AGL) to determine the League’s Player of the Month.
Following the announcement of each League’s Players of the Month, the Alliance Fastpitch will recognize a National Player of the Month.
To be considered for Player of the Month, your team must score League games in AGL so your stats will be included in the League’s monthly report