Taylor Fabing was so homesick during her freshman year at Pima Community College that she almost came back home to Hollister in October 2013.
Fortunately for Fabing, she decided to stick things out, and things have turned out better than she could’ve imagined.
Fabing bats cleanup and plays first base for Pima, which is a perennial junior college softball power located in Tucson, AZ. Ranked fourth nationally in the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II poll, the Aztecs were 39-9 overall and 32-8 in Arizona Community College Conference play entering Saturday’s game against Central Arizona.
Fabing has been instrumental in Pima’s success, as she ranks first on the team in home runs (7), doubles (14) and slugging percentage (.667) while ranking second in total bases (82) and RBIs (40).
Fabing was recently named the conference’s player of the week on April 7, when she hit .625 with three home runs and seven RBI in just three games.
“I’m loving softball this year,” said Fabing, a 2013 San Benito High graduate. “School is going good and our team is jelling together. We’re all playing for one goal, and that goal is to win regionals and go to nationals in Mississippi.”
The 5-foot-8 Fabing had a disappointing freshman season, mostly because off the field issues. A less-than-stellar living situation—Fabing said her apartment was broken into and her IPad, charger and jewelry were stolen—proved to be enough of a distraction to the point where it affected Fabing’s performance.
However, Fabing’s living situation this year has become more conducive for a college student—meaning she’s made a number of friends—and that’s translated to on-field success.
Having put her freshman year behind her, Fabing has allowed her natural talent and all the hard work she’s put into softball over the years take over. It’s resulted in a free-flowing swing and improved play at first base.
“I’d say my bat speed is faster, but I’m still slow (on the basepaths),” Fabing said. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger, too.”
With the exception of game days, the Pima players have to be in the weight room by 6 a.m. everyday for strength-training and conditioning. Everything has turned out well for Fabing, who didn’t have many college options after a stellar career at San Benito High.
Fabing was a part of four Central Coast Section championship teams—she was moved up from the freshmen team to the varsity for the playoffs as a freshman—and credited longtime Balers coach Scott Smith for helping take her game to another level.
“Scott always made me play at my best and always pushed me to play to my highest potential,” she said.
Because Pima is part of the NJCAA, it can offer scholarships. Fabing has a full-ride package, and she can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened had she transferred out of Pima during her freshman year.
Fabing’s route to Pima came way of San Benito High baseball coach Billy Aviles, whose uncle, Armando Quiroz, happens to be the Pima softball coach.
“Billy called me one day and said he could get me a full-ride to a JC in Tucson,” Fabing said. “After I e-mailed Armando, he called me and I went on a visit in October (of my senior year).”
When Fabing was on her visit, she got to see Pima play the University of Arizona in a fall-ball scrimmage series. From that moment, Fabing could see herself playing for the junior college powerhouse.
“It’s been a great experience this year,” she said. “Hopefully, things will only get better.”
