On March 27, Lisa Villanueva made a name for herself, tying not only the single-season record for the most home runs but breaking it as well. Breana Pineda held the record for 12 years with nine. In the second inning, Villanueva scorched a three-run homer over the left field wall against Santa Ana.
She was getting warmed up. In the fourth inning, Villanueva left no doubt in her next at-bat, as she launched her way into the record books with a solo shot into left field. Villanueva’s second home run of the game put her at 10. She was the first Hornet softball player to hit double-digit home runs in a single season in the program’s history.
“I never really try to hit home runs. I hope they come naturally, but I always just want to base it. I just focus and keep my head in the game, not really thinking about the record, honestly, said Villanueva.
Not only did Villanueva break the single-season record for most home runs, but she also broke the career home run record. Originally held by Anabel Mendez with 15, Villanueva continued her slugfest. On April 7 at Saddleback, she came up to the plate in the seventh inning. There were runners on the corners with two outs and a 2-1 count. On the next pitch, Villanueva torched a misplaced pitch out and over the plate for a three-run homer, tying Mendez’s record.
In the rubber match of the series against the Bobcats on April 9, Villanueva made history. At the top of the first inning, she had two runners on with one out. Saddleback starting pitcher Kylee Cammarato was in a jam, as Villanueva came to the plate. Villanueva did not miss, as she took down the career home run record from Mendez with a three-run homer.
“It’s a big one, you know? I take these and just reflect on them. I mean, I was really happy with myself,” said Villanueva.
Her passion is undeniable, as she was able to not only break the single-season record but also set the career record for most home runs in a Hornet uniform with 17. Her hard work eventually led her to be included in the First Team All-Orange Empire Conference (OEC).
After an injury affected her first year playing for the Hornets, she came back with a vengeance, hitting 14 home runs this year.
Villanueva’s typical day is going to softball practices, in order to improve her skillset for the next game ahead. Her workouts consist of defensive drills, hitting, weight lifting, and conditioning. Afterwards, she heads to the athletic trainer facility for treatment before leaving campus for the day.
One of the main reasons Villanueva enrolled at Fullerton College was due to their family aspects and being a consistent softball program with winning traditions.
“I saw a lot of opportunities here, like them coming off a state championship. I also like their family atmosphere,” said Villanueva.
Lisa Villanueva has always had sports integrated into her life. After playing volleyball in high school, she always knew that softball was her number one sport, especially after growing up with other players surrounding her.
“Volleyball was always an outlet sport for me. It was something to keep me in shape and to give me a little break from softball. But at the end of the day, it was always gonna be softball.”
At six years old, Villanueva started playing T-ball and began recreational baseball at eight. While sports have always been a major part of her life, her ACL injury in 2022 while playing volleyball was something she admitted to have been one of the hardest times of her life.
The recovery took nine months, but eventually, she was able to bounce back and prepare for the upcoming seasons, especially with softball.
“A lot of this is like a grind. You have to work if you really want it and put in the extra hours and work,” said Villanueva. “It was a lot of physical therapy. My parents really pushed me to continue and just be there for me whenever I needed them.”
Villanueva has also credited her team, coaches, and parents for the support they have given her throughout her softball journey. Her teammate and roommate, Juliana Ursino, was also someone she tended to have fond memories of.
As this would be her last year in Fullerton, the environment her coaches, Crystal Aguirre and Marian “Speedy” Mendoza, provided was something Villanueva praised for their family aspect during training sessions.
“I do get in my head a lot. They just help me out with that and through it. They care more about you as a person than the actual sport, which is major,” said Villanueva. “They’re really big on family and just care about you. Some coaches can overlook you and only look out for you sport-wise, but they honestly, truly care about you.”
Villanueva leaves the Hornets as the career recordholder for home runs; she still hasn’t decided which college to attend, despite numerous offers. Expectations are high for the star third baseman as she continues her softball journey at her upcoming school once she graduates.
“I do have a couple of schools that are interested in me. I haven’t decided yet, though,” said Villanueva.
Villanueva admits that she will miss everything about playing for the Hornets once the semester ends at Fullerton College. Despite this, Villanueva plans to continue her softball journey at the next level and plans to push herself even further.
“I’ve learned a lot of mental toughness here as well. Just pushing yourself, and never being content with where you are. It’s always pushing me to do better,” said Villanueva.
