Cordova Girls Softball Kicks-off its 55th Season

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - When one thinks of Cordova girls softball, the name Rod Borba comes to mind. Starting in 1996 Rod became the coach for the first of his four daughters. After his youngest daughter Chelsea was too old to compete, Rod stayed on as President, a title he has been yearly elected to since 2000. Throughout his 25 years of dedication Rod would periodically take on coaching responsibilities when needed as he is doing this year for an 8U team. Rod focuses on making the program the best it can be not only serving as Board President but also running a class “A” snack bar that features his famous tri-tip sandwiches, grilled chicken, cheeseburgers, polish dogs, hotdogs, chili cheese nachos and grilled corn on the cob.

In 2012 the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) placed Measure P on the ballot and the facilities improvement bond passed 71.48% to 28.52%, allotting $68 million in funding for all FCUSD facilities. For Cordova High School that meant funding for some long-awaited projects such as the performing arts building, career technical education building, 2^nd gymnasium, football stadium upgrades and girls softball field improvements as well as a complete redesign of the girls softball fields adjacent to Mills Middle School.  Fast-forward eight years and the Mills Middle School Softball Complex was finally completed under the watchful eye of Mr. Borba.  The complex consists of seven fields, a state-of-the-art concession building complete with restrooms. A far cry from running a snack bar out of a c-tainer and using porta-potties.

In March of 2020 the complex was primed and ready for the start of the 55^th season of Cordova Girls Softball. A spectacular grand opening was planned to showcase the long-awaited complex. Then Cordova Mayor, David Sander, was warming up to deliver the first pitch, the teams were ready to parade through the front archway holding their newly printed team banners, the new snack bar was stocked and Rod was getting prepared to emcee the festivities. And then the earth stood still. The CDC pulled the plug on all events putting an end to all youth sports until further notice.

The 55^th season was over before it started. Rod and the entire community were in shock. His dream was put on a hold that would last until finally on Saturday, May 1, 2021 the 55^th season of Cordova Girls Softball consisting of 17 teams and 190 players got its start. Not the grand opening that Rod wanted but more importantly the girls were back on the fields, in uniform and sporting big smiles, although some hidden behind masks. “I plan to have a more formal grand opening with all the bells and whistles when the County allows us to. For now, we’re doing our best to get the girls back on the fields,” said Mr. Borba.  With lack of fundraising opportunities, Rod is optimistic that the facility will be able to host the “Stars of Cordova Tournament” established in 1999 on July 10-11 with a fully operational concession stand. Also look for their 4^th of July fireworks stand in the Home Depot parking lot.

Rod and the entire girls softball community would like to thank the partnerships of the FCUSD, the City of Rancho Cordova, the Cordova Girls Softball organization, various sponsors and individual volunteers that have united to make this new complex a reality. “With these very special partners on the same team, Cordova Girls Softball will have a home for the next 55 years and beyond” Mr. Borba added.