Softball Helps Jaeda Diaz Realize Her College Dream

Jaeda Diaz Jaeda Diaz 3B/1B Indio | 2026 CA remembers her first time attending the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California and wanting to be just like the players on the field. That's where her college dreams first began to take root. 

As she got older and improved, Diaz realized her opportunity was within reach. The 2026 recruit from Indio, California has committed to Long Beach State. She will be the first member of her family to attend college.

“It means a lot,” said Diaz, a first-team all-state infielder. “It's kind of more for my younger cousins so I can be a role model. Because they're getting into sports—they're playing softball—and I want to be that good role model that they look up to and they want to be like or be better than.”

Diaz started playing softball when she was five. She is a longtime member of the Batbusters organization, and is currently playing for OC Batbusters Stith Maroon 2.

“I love playing softball because of the competitiveness. But I also like that I get to meet people from different areas of the United States,” Diaz said. “I get to meet people from Michigan, New York or Florida, people I usually wouldn't be able to get to know. I talk to people between games or if I'm waiting in line at the snack bar. It's just small conversations, but they are great.”

Diaz played shortstop when she was younger and then moved to the outfield. But she had a desire to play the infield again and shifted to third base about three years ago.

“I love how you have to be so engaged with the game at third,” she said. “You have to be ready for anything.”

Diaz is a multi-sport athlete at Indio High School. In the fall, she plays flag football and was named the inaugural All-Desert Sun Flag Football Player of the Year in 2024. During the winter, she plays basketball. In the spring, she plays softball and runs track. 

“My primary spring sport is softball, however track and softball are scheduled on different days, so I can do both,” she said. “My softball coach is okay with me helping the girls track team, which serves as speed and agility training as well.”

Diaz is also heavily involved in clubs at school. She is part of community service groups and works with Renaissance to plan big events on campus.

Growing up, Diaz thought she wanted to attend college on the East Coast. As she got older, however, she realized she felt more comfortable staying closer to home. Her visit to Long Beach confirmed her decision. 

“As soon as I stepped on the campus, I was like, ‘this is the one,'” Diaz said. “Everybody talks about the feeling that you just know, and that's what I got from there. I just knew.”

Diaz wants to major in math at Long Beach State and eventually become a math teacher. Becoming the first in her family to attend college wasn't only Diaz's dream. It was a dream she shared with her parents.

“They're so proud,” she said. “They've been my biggest supporters through everything, and they're just the most proud ever.”