Tributes to Travel Ball Coaching Legend Gary Fausett

The softball world is still mourning the passing last week of legendary So Cal Choppers head coach Gary Fausett, who suffered a fatal heart attack and leaves behind many who played for him, against the coach, worked with him in the travel ball world or simply admired him from afar.

Here is the Twitter post linking to the feature Extra Inning Softball did on Coach Gary upon learning of his passing last week:

Sad news coming out of the club softball world as legendary coach Gary Fausett of the So Cal Choppers has passed away, according to several sources.https://t.co/a0Yqx45dsM pic.twitter.com/lx0r0aIY6B

— ExtraInningSoftball (@ExtraInningSB) June 29, 2023

Coach Gary’s son, Dean Fausett, who was also a coach with this father and a key cog in the Choppers successful club ball history, wrote today on his Facebook page:

I just would like to say thank you to all those who have reached out to me and my family, we really appreciate all the love and comfort. We will keep everyone posted on the services and arrangements as we should know really soon. I do request that it you have any photos or videos of my dad that you please share on the following link. Thank you all, we love you

Here is the link to the PhotoCircle link where those with photos of Coach Gary can share them: click HERE.

Dean texted Extra Inning Softball earlier today and said his family should know of the service dates and times within the next 24 hours–as early as this evening–and EIS will make those available as soon as we have them.

The younger coach in the family, Dean, offered beautiful sentiments today on what his father meant to him:

My dad, my best friend, my mentor.

Our love for softball and baseball has been developed over 46 years and he has been instrumental in my coaching venture and instilled a love for the game and for helping our players.

His dedication to our family and our softball family was such a force of inspiration. He was so happy that softball brought me the love of my life in Iris and Sophie. Although this is a very difficult time for my family we know my dad gave everything to coaching and to the players and coaches that have crossed his path.

Reading all the posts, hearing stories, phone calls and texts have been so comforting and we are so thankful for everyone he has touched. His love for kids drove him everyday to become a better man, coach and mentor.

My dad gave so much to his family, his softball family and his work family while always trying to be the best at everything and making those around him better as well.

It brings our family so much comfort knowing he is with the Lord and Savior.

— Dean Fausett

More Tributes to Gary Fausett

Over the last week, we have received some beautiful sentiments of Coach Gary shared by those who knew him; here are a few expressing what so many felt…

*****

I was saddened to learn about the recent passing of Gary Fausett.

I have had the great pleasure of knowing the Fausett family for 40-plus years. Even though Mr. Fausett could be a little gruff at times, at the end of the day he would give the shirt off his back to those in need.

In terms of softball, all he and Dean wanted to do was create an environment where young players could learn how to play the game the proper way in order to chase their athletic dreams.

Those dreams included playing high school ball, college ball or beyond but, more importantly, to help develop young people into outstanding citizens in todays’ society.

Mission accomplished.

Coach Fausett will truly be missed by those he has come in contact with over his lifetime along with the softball community as a whole.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Fausett family during these difficult times. Mr. Fausett:  THANK YOU and RIP.

Sincerely,

Robert Benavidez

*****

I just wanted to share a few words about my former Coach.

I loved Coach Gary. He was a great mentor and coach. He helped me become the college player I am today. I’ll never forget his nicknames for me, like when he called me “Smiley” or said:

“Mama Mya! That’s a spicy meatball!” whenever he saw me walk through the door of the hitting facility.

He taught me valuable catching skills when I still caught and helped me perfect my mechanics. He would always make me smile, and I enjoyed being under his wing. May he rest peacefully. ❤️

Thank you,

Mya Mrakich

*****

Bella Dayton with Texas Softball.

I had the privilege to play under Coach Gary from 14U and on. He had the biggest heart and wanted to help people be so successful in the years following.

Being from Texas, he always thought I had an accent and used to talk to me in one. He always called me “Texas” and would ask me if I rode horses to school.

Gary always found something to joke about, it was never a dull moment!

*****

Gary, I’ll never forget the first time Brooke and I met you while trying out for Choppers as Brooke was in the 8^th grade. You came up to us and gave her a shirt and said: “Welcome to the Choppers!!”

The whole gang was there: Robert Ibarra, Dean Fausett, Hugo Castillo… the rest is history and we never looked back. We couldn’t of asked for a better travel ball family!

You all believed in her and she stayed there for five years and then went off to college. You opened your arms to us and made us feel like family! You and Dean bought me my first set of cornhole boards and my first taste of your homemade Christmas candles. I still have the jar and refill it.

You were truly special to me. You pushed Brooke and said what’s on your mind and I knew it was a good fit. Lots of laughs, tough as nails but with a teddy bear heart!!

Thank you for everything and all the great memories. The softball world will not be the same without you. I’ll miss your Facebook posts and the well-wishes for special occasions. One of a kind for sure, you’ll be missed Gary.

Prayers for your beautiful family: Judy Fausett, Lori, Dean, John, Iris Medellin, Sophie and all your amazing grandkids wishing them peace and help in easing the pain. I know they meant the world to you.

Your job isn’t done as I know you will continue guiding them from above.

Love you and rest easy!

Camille Grove-Yanez (mother of Brooke Yanez)

*****

Since I heard the news of Gary’s passing, I’ve been feeling numb, in shock, at a loss for words and, finally, a swarm of this God-loving man’s beautiful memories.

I’ve been blessed to have this man and his amazing family in my life since I was 12 years old. We were the Shilos, Raiders, Pirettes and now the Choppers. Through all the name changes, one thing didn’t change: we are family!

No words can clearly express how much Gary meant to me, my family and many others. He was one of the first mentors, coaches, father figure and friend who unconditionally loved me!

Gary was old school and I loved him for it. He taught us how to work hard, discipline, be accountable for our actions and how those actions have consequences, respect for all, respect for the game and how to play the game the right way, be a good teammate, celebrate, laugh and be joyful of the little things.

Most importantly, he taught us how to be good humans and how to love. Gary would spend countless hours with us in the cage or on the field. We would go until the neighbors complained or Judy told us to come inside and eat something.

Gary was selfless and a giver… all of the Fausetts are! One summer, Gary had a construction job in Huntington Beach. He would pick me up, take me to breakfast, tell me to borrow his car, pick him up on time and when we would go to the field and work out before he would sit in traffic to get home to his family.

Gary would take time to sit and talk off the field too. He would strongly encourage me to find the words to express myself and he didn’t care how it came out, just as long as it did. Through my teens, college, marriage and the birth of my kids, Gary has ALWAYS been there for me/us. There wasn’t a time that went by when Gary didn’t tell me he loved me and how proud he was of me!

Gary, we are all better for having you in our lives. You will FOREVER be in my heart!

I love and miss you already!!!

— Jennifer (Cline) Ogee

*****

To one of the most loyal and big-hearted people we know, thank you for showing us what it means to live a life rooted in faith and love for your family.

The past week has been full of emotion and reflection, but seeing the impact you had on so many people brings us so much joy. Your unwavering loyalty and compassion for the people you loved and cared about is inspiring.

Life throws a lot of obstacles at us, yet your selflessness and readiness to stand by others’ side during tough times is something that we are all grateful for.

We know that you are in a better place now, Papa. Rest in Peace.

— John, Lorie, Justin and Jake Rittman

*****

Gary,

There are no words to describe how bad this one hurts. I still can’t wrap my head around it.

You made me laugh and smile like no other, Gare. You instilled a sense of belonging and comfort in not just me but in all your players. You lit the room everywhere you went. You were— and still are—an icon, a legend, and a true leading light in the game of softball.

I will never forget the Monday before it happened.

I stood in your bedroom doorway and watched as you wrote stuff in your little softball notebook while watching a YouTube video. I asked you, “What you doing Gary?”

You said you were taking notes so you could show your 13U girls at practice. You stood up and demonstrated what you were going to teach them. You, too, never stopped learning the game.

You were by far the best coach/granddad a girl could ask for. I love you so much Gary😭

Rest in love my angel <3

Until we meet again,

“Sophie Girl”

— Sophie Medellin

*****

Gary,

As I write this my heart is not only saddened but it’s broken.

I felt this same pain in 2020 when I lost my mother. I never thought I could hurt so much again but I do. I do because since the first day I met you you treated me like a daughter.

I was a single mom trying to get my daughter through travel ball. It was a struggle but you helped ease our way. You gave her rides to practice and games when I couldn’t. You spent extra time with her at hitting lessons. You believed in her, you made her mentally and physically stronger. You prepped her for college.

I will forever be grateful for what you have done for not only my daughter, but for all the other young girls you have coached and mentored. At the end, so honored you welcomed us in to your family. We will continue to play in your honor. #chopchop

Love you Gary and miss you so much!

— Iris Medellin (mother of Sophie Medellin)

*****

Over the past several years, I had the honor and privilege of coaching alongside Gary Fausett.

During my time with Gary, not only did I learn about the game of softball, but I also learned about life.  Yes, Gary was one of the most detailed individuals I had ever met when it came to the game.  And yes, Gary loved the game and the girls he coached. And yes, Gary may be one of the greatest to ever coach the game.

But what I learned from Gary was more than coaching.

Gary taught me how to be a father, a husband, honest, compassionate, accountable, and an impactful person within the community.  Behind everything, there was always a life lesson.

Gary was the most honest person I had ever met and, when it came to softball, yes, he held every one–and I mean everyone–accountable.  But behind it all, Gary always had a message.   Gary will not only always be remembered as a great coach but as a great person.

And for those that had the privilege to know the man, you will never forget that smile or laugh.  Gary was just that type of person you always wanted to be around.  Gary, you not only made an impact on the game of softball, but you made a huge impact on those who were around you and their lives.

Thank you, Gary.

Respectfully,

Robert Curiel (So Cal Choppers 12U Assistant Coach)

*****

They say life is like surfing the waves, we can’t predict the waves of life, we just have to be equipped to ride the waves. Sometimes they are high, sometime they are low. 

Since Monday, I have been in Palm Desert with the amazing RCOE Educational Services Team hosting the Humanizing Education Summit….an awesome wave launch!

Then, during last night’s Superintendents’ Literacy Symposium, I received a phone call from a dear friend during an unusual time of the evening.  After the event, I was told that my beyond travel softball  and life coach, Gary R Fausett had passed away. 

Just like that, I hit an all time low wave–my heart dropped–and I cried with my dear softball sister Nick. 

Dear Gary R Fausett (I can’t even type these words without crying)… you coached me from age 12 through age 18 and saw me off to an athletic scholarship to play at UCLA. 

Travel ball during those times, was a different generation.  You were HARD AS NAILS! You were darn strict!  You trained us, disciplined us, elevated us, mentored us, and never allowed us to slip below our personal best.

You coached us on and off the field and I remember when you and Tony Vacareno traveled all the way from San Fernando Valley to recruit Beth Robinson and me for your travel team.  At that time,  softball travel teams were not prominent here in the Inland Empire.  Beth and I were the first Corona girls to accept playing for the San Fernando Valley Shilos.

From age 12 on, life was never the same.

I entered a culture of competition comprised of athletes from all over Southern California.  The talent just grew from that point on.  My softball sister, Jennifer Cline, said it perfectly: “You went out of your way to love us both as athletes and as young ladies. You truly cared for us to the very core of our soul and families.”

I was 15 years old when you became aware that I was struggling with Bulimia–a stronghold disease that handcuffed my life.  You would call me during your lunch hours and check on me.  My struggle with Bulimia was a result of putting too much pressure on myself and not knowing (at a young age) how to navigate the pressures of being a competitive student-athlete. 

Thank God I overcame that stronghold and I am free from that struggle.  You coached me how to be a fighter, both on and off the field.

“MilkFace” (my dad who also coached with you for my entire travel ball career) and my mom, “Mrs. Fish,” (who cooked homemade breakfast burritos on game days) would–during the heart of summer travel–stay at your home for extra practice and batting cages.

I could go on and on, but to the Fausett family, we are deeply sad about your loss. May ALL of his athletes carry on the Gary R Fausett legacy that taught us to play with heart.

We love you.

“Fish”

— Felicia Cruz-Delgado

If you would like to share your sentiments, thoughts and memories of Coach Gary Fausett, please email them to us at: [email protected] and we will publish them.

— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball