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.
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QUICK HITS
Nickles endured a broken arm on April 7 and worked her way back into the Bruins lineup for the WCWS. She will go down as one of UCLA’s best softball players in its storied history.
