If you know your club softball for the Class of 2024 in the West, particularly in Southern California, then you’re likely familiar with the name Stefini Ma’ake.
Say the name “Stefini” in these parts of the fastpitch world and everyone knows you’re talking about the 5’9” Tongan who has dominated the 2024 So Cal softball landscape for the past six years.
Stefini Ma’ake is not only one of the most dominating pitchers in the country, she is also one of the most dominating hitters as well.
Throwing consistently in the low 60’s with her size and strength, she is a power pitcher like very few. And when she is at the plate, she swings the bat with real bad intentions, crushing balls over the fence, almost at will.
This summer, she competed in the USA Softball All-American Games in Oklahoma City where she had a mammoth home run—you can see an interview with Stefini (starting at the 0:50 mark) and the home run in this video produced by a local San Diego TV station
The Tongan softball star has a new adventure in store for herself this season as she recently joined Marty Tyson’s Corona Angels program after having great success with the California Suncats to play up for Tyson’s perennial powerhouse 9th grade team.
“I am very excited about being able to play for Marty Tyson for my first year of 14’s,” Stefini said this week. “Marty is a coach who I have always looked up to and have wanted to learn from, so being able to be on his team is a chance of a lifetime.”
The sky is the limit for Stefini as one of Southern California’s most dominant dual-threat athletes who lists as one of her heroes a player well known today in softball for her pitching and hitting (hint: think UCLA!)…
Here’s more on this talented 8th grader making a national name for herself…
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Name: STEFINI MA’AKE
Hometown: San Diego
Height: 5’9
Position: RHP/1B/3B
Pitches: Fastball, change up, rise
Furthest Home Run Hit: 260 feet
Most Home Runs in a Tournament: six
What do you enjoy the most about playing softball?
I enjoy getting to meet new people and softball players from all over the country. I also love being able to travel to new states in order to face the best competition out there. Lastly, I love being able to stay in hotels with teammates and enjoying the special bonds that I have made with some amazing players through the years.