Three years removed from enjoying its best season to date, Central Valley’s softball team could experience similar success this spring because of a wealth of experience and new talent.

“That’s what we’re chasing after,” Hawks’ head coach Jimmy Bates said. “We did a lot of culture work last year and it’s going to pay off this season. Everybody is on the same page. The girls are really connected.”

Central Valley has a roster size of 16 student-athletes.

“You have your nucleus,” Bates said while talking about what he looks for during tryouts. “You try to find kids that buy into the culture set by that group.”

“It’s nice having that many people out there,” he added. “We’ve had to get creative with our practices. It’s a competitive environment for everybody in a good way. It’s been really cool to see. It might sound cliché, but we’re playing for each other.”

The Hawks return 12 players from a year ago, including Jaren Bass (Sr., Outfielder/Utility Player), Gabriela Delatorre (Sr., UT/Pitcher), Alicia Espinoza (Sr., UT), Abigail Krauss (Sr., First Baseman/Outfielder), KaDynce Piceno (Sr. OF/1B), Alayah Villa (Sr., UT), Reylena Herrera (Jr., Infielder/Catcher), Valeria Padilla (Jr., OF), Brooklynn Steeley (Jr., P/IF), Madelyn Morales (So., C/IF), Monster Prudhel (So., C/OF) and Selene Valencia (So., OF).

Central Valley has four newcomers in Karlee Taylor (Sr., OF), Aaliah Padilla (Jr., P/OF), Selah Chesney (Fr., IF/C) and Emma Padilla (Fr., OF).

The Hawks lost just one player to graduation: Destiny Herrera.

“At the plate, one through nine, we’re a tough out,” Bates said. “We have competitive pitching. They’re going to throw strikes. Defensively, we can make plays. This group is ready to make some noise.”

Steeley, Delatorre and Herrera are team leaders.

Delatorre and Steeley were both named to the Western Athletic Conference First Team a season ago.

Steeley posted a 7-2 record with a 3.63 earned-run average, 103 strikeouts and 38 walks in 98 innings at pitcher.

She batted .384 from the plate with two home runs, nine doubles, 17 RBIS, nine runs and 14 walks.

Delatorre batted .333 with one home run, two triples, 11 doubles, 29 RBIs, 29 runs, nine walks and nine stolen bases.

She compiled a 3-0 record in the circle with a 6.72 earned-run average, 39 strikeouts and 29 walks in 50 innings.

Herrera earned second-team all-league honors.

“Last year, they (Steeley, Delatorre and Herrera) led by example,” Bates said. “This year, they’re a little more vocal in their communication with everyone. We talk about being a selfless teammate. All three of those girls embody that.”

Central Valley compiled a 13-14 overall record and finished fourth in the WAC standings with a 7-7 mark in 2025.

Ceres High (12-2), Beyer (12-2) and Livingston (12-2) shared the league title.

Grace Davis (3-11), Johansen (2-12) and Pacheco (1-13) finished fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.

The top three teams in the WAC will be awarded playoff spots.

“I’m excited to see how we’re going to measure up against the top half of the league,” Bates said. “If we play together, this group’s ceiling is a lot higher than the last couple years. I hope we’re playing games that matter at the end of the season.”