FULLERTON, Calif.- Titan softball continues its alumni spotlight by featuring two recent graduates who went on to continue playing softball after graduating Cal State Fullerton. Missy Taukeiaho is playing for the Mexican National team, while also signing to professional fast pitch and playing for the Dallas Charge. Desiree Ybarra went on to play for the Venezuelan National Team and is currently in Italy.
"Desi and Missy have made such an impact on Cal State Fullerton softball. I'm so proud that they have opportunities to play after their career here," Head Coach Kelly Ford said. "It doesn't surprise me one bit that they play on the professional level and on the international level. They are first class student athletes and I wish them the best. I know they are out there competing every pitch and I love that."
Desiree Ybarra arrived at Cal State Fullerton from Riverside Poly High School. During her time at Fullerton, Ybarra blossomed in the Titan's circle. In her freshman year, she made 39 appearances with 30 starts, and finished 13-17 with a 4.66 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 184 2/3 inning.
As a sophomore, Ybarra was named to the 2013 NFCA All-West Region Second Team as a pitcher/utility pitcher. She appeared in 54 games and started primarily as the designated player in 51 games.
Ybarra redshirted her junior year due to injury, but then came back in 2015 to make 27 appearances with 15 starts.
For her final season as a Titan, Ybarra was decorated as the 2016 Big West Conference Pitcher of the Year, All-Big West First Team, NFCA All-West Region First Team, Big West Pitcher of the Week (twice), and Buffalo Wild Wings Student-Athlete of the Week. She finished the season by recording a 1.82 ERA with a record of 16-7.
Ybarra joined the Venezuelan National Team this past summer and is traveling internationally to play softball. Ybarra also was reunited with former Titan alumni, Gina Oaks while playing on the Venezuelan team.
"Playing softball after college has been a different experience, but a very rewarding one as well," said Ybarra. "I had grown up watching the Olympics and idolizing these athletes. Being able to play against these players and teams was an experience that I cherish greatly. As a kid, I always dreamed about playing against these phenomenal athletes, and also competing against them and being able to do so is an extremely rewarding moment in my softball career."
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Missy Taukeiaho played her freshman year at the University of Washington and helped the Huskies reach the Women's College World Series. She became a Titan as a sophomore in 2014 and immediately made an impression on the field.
She selected to the NFCA All-American Third Team and the All-West Region First Team and Taukeiaho became the 29th Titan to be named to an NFCA All-American Team. She also earned big honors in the Big West Conference such as being the Big West Field Player of the Week three times, All-Conference Big West Player of the Year, All-Big West Conference First Team.
During her junior season at CSUF, she was recognized on USA Softball Top 50 Watch List. She made 46 starts and appeared in 49 games.
Taukeiaho was named Big West Player of the Year and selected for the Big West First Team again to complete her senior year. She was garnered NFCA All-Third Team honors, while being named to the USA Softball Top 50 Watch List for the second time and played in all 61 games during her final year. She led the team in runs scored (52), doubles (22), total bases (116), slugging percentage (.674), walks (43), on-base percentage (.498) and home runs (10).
Taukeiaho currently plays for the Mexican National team and professionally for the Texas Charge. She's been a part for the Mexican National team since 2014 and is pursuing to attend the 2020 Olympics. She was contacted by the Texas Charge after she played her first season in the professional league with the USSSA Pride.
"My first year with the Mexican National team was in 2014, they were trying to get a feel for the way I play and where they could utilize me at. I anticipate going back this summer as it'll be my first time back with the team since my first outing with them in 2014," Taukeiaho said. "With Texas, I'm with a new team and all I expect from myself is to put in the work every day and do what I can to help my team win."
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