Jason Mitchell
As the softball cuts through the tense, still air, junior Eila Chan swings her bat with focused precision, sending the ball soaring in the opposite direction. While according to maxpreps.com, the national batting average sits at .292, Chan is far exceeding expectations with an impressive .543 average. This season alone, she has racked up 17 runs and tallied 22 hits. Chan has also driven in 20 runs, which is four times the national average of just five run batted-ins. Additionally, her on-base percentage stands at a remarkable .617, showcasing her discipline and dominance at the plate.
Head coach Jennifer Bond explained, “What makes her an important part of the team is her playing ability. She is a great player. She makes all the plays, rarely makes an error, and her bat is amazing.”
With an overall 8-5 record and 5-2 in Prep League play, Poly’s softball team has proved to be a formidable force, much to the help of Chan’s undeniable skill sets. Further securing their second place position in the Prep League, the fierce presence Chan offers both on offense and defense is simply a testament to her driven motivation, especially on the bat.
Chan cultivated her passion for softball at the age of six and her love for the game continues to thrive today. Fueled by the thrill of competition, every precise play she executes reflects something far less visible: her relentless work ethic. While her on-field performance speaks for itself, it’s her resilience and determination, the qualities that Chan embodies at every turn, that truly elevate her game.
Representing the collaborative spirit that defines softball, she brings a wealth of experience to the team, including her time playing for club team So Cal Athletics Richardson 18U.
“Being an underclassman, I’ve been able to learn a lot from Eila about the dedication it takes to become good at sports, or really anything I want to get better at,” freshman Olivia Dabiri shared.
Tasked with anchoring the middle infield as a shortstop, Chan embraces a defensive role that requires more than just quick reflexes. Their ability to read plays, execute double plays and shut down stolen base attempts cements them as central to a team’s defensive success. In a game where speed dominates, the infield remains the heartbeat of the defense, and Chan has been stellar, with a .913 fielding percentage.
As an upperclassman, Chan exemplifies unwavering commitment to the sport and leads by example both on and off the field. Her deep knowledge and experience in softball are evident, but it’s her generosity and constant support for her teammates that truly set her apart.
Dabiri said, “She’s been willing to help me improve at softball whether it be in the field or while I’m up to bat, and she’s always willing to cheer me on, even as an underclassman.”
As Chan’s talent and dedication continue to cover all bases of success, she is sure to knock it out of the park wherever she goes next.