Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
All-County softball players Ava Phillips and Jenna Caldera have withdrawn from Rosary and enrolled at EM Speed and Power Training in Rancho Cucamonga, the juniors confirmed Tuesday.
Phillips, a pitcher, and Caldera, a shortstop, helped the Royals (26-3-1) win the Michelle Carew Classic last season and ascend to No. 1 in the Orange County rankings. The tournament title and top ranking were the first in school history.
Rosary captured the Pacific Coast League title before losing to El Modena 7-5 in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.
Phillips and Caldera said they were drawn to the company for its softball training program and academic “independence.”
“I love how the overall program is aligned with that of Division I college programs,” Phillips said. “They mimic what we will experience as student-athletes in college so we will be ready for the transition.”
Both players expressed gratitude for Rosary coach Tom Tice and their teammates.
“This choice wasn’t easy, but I believe it gives me the best chance to achieve my dream of playing at the next level,” Caldera said.
Last season, Phillips went an Orange County-best 20-3 with a 1.37 ERA and earned Pacific Coast League MVP. Caldera hit .552 and with a school-record seven triples.
Both players were named first-team All-County.