The action was fast and furious as teams from throughout North America arrived at the Soboba Indian Reservation to participate in the 2026 National Indian Athletics Association All-Native fastpitch softball tournament, Sept. 18-20.
In the 20-plus years Soboba has been hosting the annual N.I.A.A. event, it has gotten bigger and better each year with an increase in teams, vendors and sponsorships. This year they welcomed 18 men’s teams and 17 women’s teams at both the Sports Complex and The Oaks.
Before the first games got underway at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Tournament Chair, Soboba Vice Chairwoman and Soboba Women’s team pitcher Geneva Mojado conducted the opening ceremonies. This included presentations of two honorariums and introductions of Soboba Tribal Council members, staff, volunteers, and tournament committee members who were all thanked for their involvement.
Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said he was a tournament participant for many years. “I respect the competitiveness and I always enjoy coming out to watch. We appreciate the sportsmanship that happens here. We want to be sure your experience at the tournament and here at Soboba is great and that you will want to come back next year.”
The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians stepped up to the plate as a Grand Slam sponsor and several other Tribes were Home Run sponsors. All were thanked and appreciated for their support.
Thomas “Tommy Wong” Melendez Jr. was honored for a lifetime of memories. “Today, we celebrate a man who has spent more than five decades doing something he truly loves,” said Rhonda Valenzuella as Melendez was surrounded by family, friends and past teammates. Tommy’s love for the game started when he was just six years old, playing baseball in first grade. At age 12, he discovered fastpitch softball. From that moment on, softball wasn’t just a sport, it became a part of who he was. He played for countless teams and traveled to tournaments around the country, collecting something far more valuable than trophies—friendships and memories. “Tommy is an incredible dad and a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren,” Valenzuella said. “Today, some of his greatest joy comes from watching those grandchildren play sports. After spending more than 50 years on the field himself, he now gets to sit in the stands, cheer them on, encourage them, and share with them the same love of sports that has been such a big part of his own life and that is where Tommy’s true legacy lives. The softball career may be retiring but the legend of ‘Tommy Wong’ never will.”
Melendez threw out a ceremonial first pitch for the men’s teams with his son Steven serving as catcher. This was followed by applause from spectators in the bleachers and players on teams that were about to take the field.
Gary and Tina Placencia were also honored and Mojado shared background about them during the presentation. “What began as a love for softball became one of the most meaningful parts of Gary’s life,” she said. He played with the Beer Nuts for many years, where many friendships were formed, creating bonds that stretched far beyond the softball field. In the early 1980s, he was asked to help coach the Soboba Women’s fastpitch team, a role he would return to on and off for decades. He was patient, encouraging, dependable, and steady. Through decades of games, tournaments, practices, and road trips, Gary became a constant presence in the lives of so many people. “This honor recognizes more than Gary’s years of participation in softball; it recognizes a lifetime of dedication, friendship, mentorship, and service to others,” Mojado said. “His impact will never be measured by wins and losses, but by the love, respect, and gratitude that remain long after he’s gone.” Tina was one of Gary’s greatest supporters, traveling with him and supporting the Soboba Women’s softball team through countless games and tournaments. But Tina made her own lasting contribution, volunteering with NIAA registration and wherever she was needed for many years. “Gary and Tina shared a love for this softball family and gave so much of themselves to it,” Mojado said. “Although they are both no longer with us, we know their presence and their legacy remain. We like to think they are watching over us from above and smiling as the tradition they helped support continues.
Gary’s brother Glen threw out the ceremonial first pitch, surrounded by many members of the Placencia family and close friends and teammates.
Before the blessing and birdsongs by the Inter-Tribal Birdsingers, who gathered near the pitcher’s mound, Wayne Nelson said, “Our songs are social to bring everyone together so you are all welcome to come join us.”
Each team was guaranteed three games which lasted 80 minutes or seven innings, whichever came first. For the first time, all four fields were utilized at The Oaks and some of the men’s games were played there. Bracket play determined who would be included in the final games, played at the Soboba Sports Complex on Sunday.
Taking home top honors for the men were Randy’s A’s from Canada with Scott Leiph (T’Sou-ke First Nation) chosen as MVP Pitcher. Second place was won by Cali Reds and Vincent Nelson (Rincon) was named MVP Player. Third place was the MMC (Morongo Men’s Club) and Hostilez placed fourth.
All-tournament honors for best-performing individual men’s players went to Wade Kewageshig (Saugeen FN), Ethan Lans Adams Lake FN), and Gus Wilson from Randy’s A’s Heiltsuk FN); Orrin Murphy (Pechanga) and Mike Calac (Rincon) from Cali Reds; Steven Normand (Peguis FN) and John Silvas (Soboba) with MMC; Lefty from the Hostilez; and Bradly Guachino from Baad Medicine.
The Morongo Women’s team topped the women’s division, as they did last year. Kali Sargent (Washoe Tribe) was named MVP Pitcher. The Misfits took second with Alex Hernandez (San Pasqual Tribe) chosen as MVP Player. The Youngins were third and fourth place went to Rezilience. Receiving all-tournament honors for best-performing women’s players went to Vernita “Nita” Filmore (Washoe) and Aaliyah Gibson (Oklahoma) from the Morongo Women’s team; Marisa Muse-Gabrielleno (Tongva) and Danielle Magante-Jones (La Jolla Band), from the Misfits; Moyla Devers (Pauma Band) and Paàila Devers (Pauma Band), with the Youngins; Arlene Stone (Bishop Paiute) and Jessica Manuelito (Bishop Paiute), from Rezilience; and Morgan Belone (Navajo) with the New Mexico Dream Catchers.
Noel “Kimo” Alvarez is captain of the Beernuts men’s team, which he has played on since he was 15. His position is third base and pitcher. He said the team participates in various tournaments, so they don’t have designated practices. The were in Lemoore, near Fresno, just a few weeks ago. The first game of the weekend pitted them against the Banning Renegades.
Captain John-Robert Sibole has been on the Banning team for 30 years and said there are lots of family members on the team as well. They last played at the Morongo Cultural Heritage Days at the end of August. “I like the culture, having fun, and just rez ball itself,” Sibole said. “The best part about this tournament is that it’s all-Native.”
Vendors offered a variety of foods, clothing, jewelry, hats and other accessories. Shay Arviso of Hemet was there for the first time with “The Stacked Joint” sandwich booth as well as general snack bar fare. She typically sets up weekly at the San Jacinto Farmers Market. “I’m a (San Diego) Padres’ fan so this worked out great,” she said.
A fundraiser for the Soboba Men’s Fastpitch team was taking place at the concessions stand at the Sports Complex Field 1. Iyana and Antiana Briones stayed busy serving up tacos, burritos, nachos and hot dogs. Derrek Cervantes, who plays second base and left field for the team, said it is made up of mostly Soboba Tribal members led by coach Phill Basquez. Money raised during the weekend will help offset costs of traveling to softball tournaments.
Next year’s N.I.A.A. tournament will be held on the third weekend in September, which is Sept. 17-19 and the committee has promised there will be some special surprises.
