Softball coach Yasmin Mossadeghi is playing hardball this season, at least in the locker room. She has declared war on mediocrity —“Jagwar.”
“It’s about bringing a war-like attitude, not only to the games and practice, but with everything you do in your life,” she said. “It’s your academics, your hobbies, everything. It’s taking charge and doing whatever it takes to succeed.”
With a revamped roster that blends experience and young talent, Mossadeghi boldly predicts the Lady Jags will be serious contenders this season. General Mossadeghi’s troops seem inspired by the message and reeled off four straight wins to open the season, the softball team’s best start in many years.
“So far we’re doing pretty good,” said center fielder Michelle Centrullo. “We have a lot of talent out there. We have a shot to win the league this year. The coaches are really positive about everything. Even when we mess up they just say do another one. They never bring us down. They do everything to keep us confident so that we stay confident during the games.”
Assistant coach Dani Bishop said new players have brought a new culture and a positive new energy.
“I feel like we’re in a good place right now,” she said. “I feel like we brought in a lot of recruits to help on the team and I think we’re gonna have a great year this year.”
Mossadeghi is in her third year as head coach. After two last place seasons she said this is finally the year the team can contend.
“I’m really looking to make a drastic change in the conference this year,” said Mossadeghi. “I think this year with me and coach Bishop really heavily going out and recruiting, we really were able to bring in some major talent. Some girls who have played ball since they were little have continued to play through high school and even play through travel ball so, those are the elements I didn’t have last year and the year before.”
Mossadeghi has a history of winning. She played for professional championship teams in Germany and in Russia. She was also part of the coaching staff that saw Mount San Antonio College win two state championships.
“I’m really honestly looking to win the conference this year but we’ll see how it goes,” said Mossadeghi. “Are the girls going to be injured? Are they gonna mesh well? Are they going to produce when it calls for it? All these things can define a season.”
