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.

The post Soboba hosts N.I.A.A. all-Native softball tournament appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

A record number of men’s teams at 19, plus 15 women’s teams, competed during the weekend of games that began at 3 p.m. Friday and ended with the championship games on Sunday afternoon. Playing at two fields at the Soboba Sports Complex and three fields at The Oaks, the competition was fierce.

Taking home top honors for the men were returning champions Morongo Men’s Club (MMC), while the Morongo Women also scored in the number one spot again this year.

Other top winners in the Men’s Division were second place Cali Redz, third place Manderson A’s from South Dakota and Beernuts, who placed fourth. Vincent Nelson (Rincon) with Cali Redz was named MVP Pitcher. Stevie Silvas (Soboba) from MMC earned the MVP Player award.

The Women’s Division saw Rezilience taking second place, O’odham from Arizona in third and Lady Beernuts as fourth-place finishers. MVP Pitcher honors went to Kali Sargent (Washoe) with the Morongo Women and Arlene Stone (Bishop Paiute) from the Rezilience team was named MVP Player.

During the opening ceremonies on Friday, Sept. 19, N.I.A.A. Committee member and Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado introduced other members and thanked vendors, players and volunteers “who help make NIAA possible.”

“Welcome to our homeland; we like to call it God’s Country,” Mojado, who served as coach and pitcher for the Soboba women’s team this year, told the crowd. Tenisha Masiel Vargas (Pechanga) also pitched, and Doris Placencia served as Assistant Coach for the Soboba team.

Members of the Soboba Tribal Council said, “This is more than a tournament—it is a celebration of tradition, unity, and the joy of the game. We hope your weekend is filled with memorable moments, new friendships, and the continuing strength of our shared community.”

Each year, the NIAA volunteers choose the honorariums or suggestions are given to the committee from softball families. This year three were honored at the opening ceremonies: Frank “Smudge” Miguel with the Morongo Men’s Club, “Non” Miguel with the Morongo Women, and Anita Kruger from Canada.

Mojado said she loved the opening ceremonies, especially surprising Anita and recognizing Frank and Non. “It was exciting,” she said. “Having all family, friends and teammates be present was great.”

Frank Miguel Sr. was introduced as a cornerstone of the Morongo Men’s Club, leaving an enduring mark on the team and community through his leadership, dedication, and love for the game. He started playing outfield for MMC when he was 12 years old. By 1983, Frank had expanded his role on the field, stepping into the pitcher’s circle and establishing himself as a versatile and reliable player. After decades of service, Frank retired from active play in 2010, passing the torch to his son and keeping the family tradition alive. For more than four decades, Frank Sr. has been both a force and an anchor—a steady presence whose vision, hard work, and dedication helped shape the Morongo Men’s Club into what it is today.

Non Miguel has been a proud and dedicated figure in women’s fastpitch softball across Indian Country for decades. Known for her leadership, mentorship, and competitive spirit, she has guided multiple teams to championship victories and inspired generations of Native athletes. In 2006, she led her team to a gold medal victory in Denver, cementing their place among the top teams in the sport. In 2011, Non brought the Morongo Women to Nevada for the All-Native Worlds, where they captured the Championship title. Non has the ability not only to build strong, competitive teams, but also to foster unity, resilience, and pride among Native athletes on and off the field. Her legacy is carried on through the young women she has coached, mentored, and inspired to follow in her footsteps.

Juanita “Anita” Kruger began playing ball with her brothers when she was 12 years old and has been pitching since she was 13. The first ladies’ team she played for was The Bravettes. Over the years, she has played with more than 50 different teams, the longest being Field of Dreams (LNG). She has traveled throughout North America and to Australia, Italy and New Zealand, showing her love and dedication to the game. Anita, who has pitched against men and women, is still well known for her unique pitching styles and striking out the best of the best. The one pitch she became best known for is the one where she would bend over and hide her pitch behind her hair.

Each honorarium recipient threw out a ceremonial first pitch to much applause from the spectators, as well as horn honking from vehicles parked outside the ballfield’s chain link fence.

One of the first games of the tournament took place at the Soboba Sports Complex Field 1 between the Morongo Men’s Club and the Cali Redz, which the MMC won.

Field 2 saw the $ovòova (Soboba) men take on the Kumeyaay Kuumarr from San Diego County, with the latter taking the win. Although these players have competed before, this marked their first appearance as these teams in an NIAA tournament.

Coach Josiah Richardson (Barona) of the Kumeyaay Kuumarr team said his team has been together for about six months, although many players have been with other teams before.

“I enjoy playing with my Native brothers, cousins and family,” Richardson said.

Phill Basquez (Soboba), who coached the $ovòova team with assistance from Steve Medina, said the current line-up has been together for about a month. Most have played multiple positions so they had to decide who would play where for this team. “Everyone is pretty solid,” Basquez said.

Each team was given a three-game guarantee with varying lengths of time between games. Basquez said being local to the Soboba reservation gave them the opportunity to go home in between games to relax.

“I was very pleased with this year’s tournament,” Mojado said. “It gets bigger and better every year.”

The post Soboba welcomes more than 30 teams to the All Native Fastpitch Tournament appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.