SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The 45th Annual Optimist High School Softball All-Star games are set for Wednesday, June 8, 2022.

It will be held at Capital Christian HS (CCHS), 9470 Micron Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95827. The Small Schools game will start at 5:30 P.M.; The Large Schools game will start at 6:30 P.M. General admission is $10; Seniors (65+) $8; Students $5; kids under 12 $3; and kids under 5 are free.

The Small Schools North Team is coached by Stefanie Danna and assisted by Tim Danna and Taylor Ernst, all from Sutter Union HS. Some notable players on the team include pitcher (P) Andi Duff, left fielder (LF) Josie Landis, first baseman (1B) Maya Larsen and third baseman (3B) Sophia Tyler from Marysville HS. Utility player (UTIL) Aubrey Edwards and P Elysia Garcia are representing San Juan HS; Right fielder Jessica Ulshoeffer is representing Mesa Verde HS.

The Small Schools South Team is coached by Matt Boykin from Dixon HS (DHS) and assisted by Buddy Berry from Winters HS. Some notable players on the team include P Lexi Coyle, shortstop Brianna Humphries and catcher (C) Madi West from DHS. Cordova HS is represented by center fielder Kelissa Lee; Rosemont HS is represented by 3B Qyiara Martin; Woodland HS is represented by outfielder Alyssia Torres.

The Large Schools North Team is coached by Mike Mello from Whitney HS (WHS) and assisted by Sean Erickson from Del Oro HS, Art Banks from Roseville HS and Mark Watson from WHS. Some notable players on the team include second baseman Korrie Almond and C Diana Hull from River Valley HS. Bella Vista HS is represented by UTIL Sydney Polli; Del Campo HS is represented by LF Hailee Flink; Yuba City HS is represented by 1B Allyssa Williams.

The Large Schools South Team is coached by Mary Jo Truesdale and assisted by Joe Jaquez and John Mendonca, all from Sheldon HS. Some notable players on the team include C Grace Matej and P Emma Olsen from host school, CCHS.

At this time, we must be prepared for new Covid guidelines, so spectators are asked to bring their masks and follow other public health guidelines if mandated.

During the awards ceremony after the second game, Banks will be inducted into the Optimist Hall of Fame for his dedication and contribution to his beloved sport of softball, to the multitude of players he has positively influenced and the gracious (Old School) manner in which he presents himself.

During the awards ceremony, Truesdale will be honored for her selection as National Coach of the Year in 2020 and being The Best of the Best.

These Optimist All Star games provide the top Senior athletes of Sacramento and Greater Sacramento the venue to showcase their skills and prowess. Their selection is to honor them and their schools and reflects the culmination of their hard work, diligence and excellence in this sport and their school, as well as their coach’s commitment towards their player’s endeavors. The proceeds from this event will solely be used for youth programs and projects in the Sacramento and Greater Sacramento Areas.