Fenwick High School Names Valerie Jisa Head Varsity Softball Coach

Fenwick High School is excited to announce the appointment of Valerie Jisa as the new Head Varsity Softball Coach for the Fenwick Softball program. Jisa, a seasoned softball enthusiast with a deep-rooted passion for the game, brings a wealth of experience and a vision of excellence to the team.

Jisa's softball journey began at the age of seven, and her commitment to the sport has never wavered. She served as a team captain and switch-hitting leadoff second baseman at Colleyville High School in Texas, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in Austin.

Jisa's contributions to the sport extend beyond the diamond. She is the founder of the West Suburban Warriors, a travel team based in Riverside, designed to cater to multi-sport athletes. Jisa firmly believes in providing young athletes with a well-rounded athletic foundation to help them discover their true potential.

 

No stranger to the Fenwick softball program, Jisa made her debut during last season's Regional Championship, having previously served as an assistant coach under the guidance of Head Coach Bryan Hoffman. Jisa expressed her gratitude for Coach Hoffman, saying she “learned so much under his leadership.” She praised Hoffman as a knowledgeable and competitive leader, highlighting their complementary coaching philosophies and shared love for the student-athletes and the game.

The Riverside resident and mother of three children boasts strong family connections to Fenwick: her husband Wendell Jisa is an alumnus, and three of her nieces and nephews are Friars.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to contribute to the future of Fenwick Softball, characterized by a culture of connection and empowerment, and I’m committed to understanding the unique strengths of each player to unlock their full athletic potential,” Coach Jisa said. “I will continue to encourage each and every player to take ownership of their performance, fostering team unity, nurturing personal growth, and developing the mental aspect of the game. Furthermore, I’m fully dedicated to instilling Dominican Catholic values and heritage into the team's culture, fostering excellence on the field, in the classroom and as leaders in the community.”

Fenwick High School eagerly anticipates the new era of softball under the guidance of Coach Valerie Jisa. Her passion, experience and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Fenwick's vision for its student-athletes, both on and off the field.