By Patrick Lujan
Softball star Bubba Nickles is finally on Guam!
Natalie, Bubba and Ted Nickles are on island to give back to our girls softball community and experience their Guam roots.
The grand daughter of an Inarajan man who has made it to the highest level of women’s softball, Nickles is undoubtedly stoked to be here.
“I’m super excited to be here,” Nickles said after touching down at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Tuesday evening.
Along with Bubba are her parents Ted and Natalie. Natalie was born on Guam but was last on island when she was 12 years old. This is Ted and Bubba’s first trip to our island.
“We’re so excited to be here,” mom Natalie said at the post arrival dinner. “I just wish the time would slow down.”
The sophomore centerfielder for the UCLA Bruins and Team USA has won accolades from her home in California throughout her young career, including the prestigious 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year in her high school senior year at Merced High School. Yes, the best high school player in the nation!
WEDNESDAY, MEET ‘N GREET
You can meet Bubba and win some amazing prizes from Team USA and UCLA at Papa’s Restaurant Wednesday night from 6:30-9 pm.
Included in the prizes is an autographed ball from softball legend Lisa Fernandez, a close friend and coach to Bubba.
THURSDAY, SOFTBALL CAMP
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our young female softball players as Bubba will be holding a softball camp from 1-5 at Guerrero Field behind Paseo Stadium.
Bring your softball gear and get ready to learn from a top level young player. Registration starts at 12:30 pm and the $25 comes with some great gift certificates.
FRIDAY, APL ALL-STAR GAME
In the first ever Women’s Fastpitch Softball All-Star Game, Bubba will be playing and pitching – so you won’t want to miss it at 7 pm at Guerrero Field. Team Blue vs. Team Gold.
GUAM TIES
Bubba is the grand daughter of Joe Kusunoki originally from Inarajan (Familian Cabesa) and has aunties and cousins in Yigo (Garmans). Her family will be here until next Tuesday taking in all that Guam has to offer.
Volleyball
ODD DAY OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL
DID U KNOW?
The FD Friars have retired running back Kein Artero’s (#3), becoming the third Friar in three years to have his number retired. 2018 saw two numbers be retired from quarterback Daniel Phillips (#6) and De’Aundre Cruz (#24).
(photo from Kein Artero on Twitter)
QUICK HITS
Bubba Nickles makes a stop at the Guam marker of the World War II Memorial in Washington DC during a team trip to the capital with the reigning national softball champion UCLA Bruins.
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The UOG Tritons have hired Bill Bennett as their new baseball manager. It has been over 20 years since UOG has had a competitive team.
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GSPN celebrates 8 years! Chartered 11/11/11
