PHOENIX — Bourgade Catholic High School’s varsity softball team is entering the 2025 season with high hopes after falling short of a state championship last year. The Golden Eagles are determined to push further with a talented group of returning players.
“We’ve had open field sessions, and a lot of the girls participated in club ball,” Quihuis said. “I think this team is a lot better than last year. A lot of the girls are hungry and ready to go.”
Key players include senior center fielder Samantha Santillan, junior pitcher Camila Quinonez (a transfer eligible to play this year), and senior pitcher Olivia Durazo, who is expected to dominate on the mound.
As the season kicks off with an away game against Kingman High School on Feb. 26, the Golden Eagles are determined to make a deep playoff run. The team’s leadership and experience are major strengths, and the upperclassmen are ready to guide the team to success.
"I feel like it's my responsibility to communicate with the other girls and help them out as much as I can so we can back each other up," Santillan said.
Santillan, who has been on varsity all four years, is a natural leader and has high expectations for her senior season.
“I think we’re gonna be pretty good,” she said. “We just need to bond a little bit more, get used to playing at the
One of the challenges this year will be the team’s new region (3A Metro), which affects the power points they can earn. However, Quihuis has scheduled competitive games against strong opponents.
“We should win our region, but I set up my freedom games against quality teams that are going to give us the power points,” Quihuis said.
The schedule features games against high-caliber opponents, including Empire High School out of Tucson, which defeated Bourgade Catholic in the quarterfinals last year. Seaside High School out of Oregon will also be a test for the Golden Eagles. These two key matchups will be in back-to back games in April.
The challenge is something Quihuis is looking forward to.
I want to play the best," he said. "In order for us to win that state championship and reach our goals, you have to play the best teams.
"We plan to make it to the ship," Santillan said. "I hope we win it all, to be honest, because it's been our goal, and we've always fallen short of it. I want to win it all to end my senior year."
Coach Quihuis is also confident in the team's potential.
"We have great leadership, and our upperclassmen this year are really good, he said. "They learned from last year what it takes to get to that next step, and I think they're stepping up and realizing that."
The lady Golden Eagles will play their home opener against Chino Valley High School on March 4. First pitch is at 3:45 p.m.
Don't miss any of the action this season! Be sure to check out their full schedule.
