KAFB Airman assembling competitive female softball team

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Tech. Sgt. Jessica de la Mora of the 377th Maintenance Group has put out a call for players to join an on-base, competitive, slow-pitch softball team.

De la Mora is an avid player and has experience on other bases and is a former member of an all-Air Force team. She said she's wanted to start a team since she arrived at Kirtland two years ago.

"I got here, and there was no team," she said. "I was kind of sad."

Her mood improved after she held a successful first open practice, which happened on June 24 at Hardin Field and drew 13 women.

De la Mora said another 10 who couldn't make it to the practice had expressed interest via email. There was a second practice on Monday.

"I was afraid we wouldn't have enough women," she said. "But 13 is really good."

Once it is up and running, the team will take part in the City of Albuquerque fall softball league in September. De la Mora hopes to raise money to participate in some out-of-state all-military tournaments.

De la Mora said military members tend to work better as recreational teams compared to civilian teams.

"I love playing, and the best part about playing on a military team is that we have a different demeanor," she said. "We are very team-oriented by nature, and have a lot more camaraderie."

City-league teams must have at least 11 players to fill 10 positions and have least one substitute. De la Mora aims to have more than the minimum, though.

Any women interested in playing can contact de la Mora, and the player's skill level is not as important as her willingness to play hard and have fun.

"We have women who haven't played in years and are going to develop their skills," de la Mora said. "The main goal is to make friends and have fun. Winning would be the icing on the cake."

Players have to pay their part of the $600 city league registration fee and the cost for team jerseys.

The fall season opens Sept. 20 and de la Mora said once she has enough members, the team will practice on a regular basis, once every two weeks.

For more information, email jessica.de_la_mora@us.af.mil.