Mendoza to host two-day camp at Moorpark High

Photo courtesy USA Softball SHE'S A SPECIAL TALENT—Since graduating from Camarillo High in 1998, Jessica Mendoza has established herself as one of the most productive softball players for Team USA. Ten years after graduating from Camarillo High, Jessica Mendoza is still looking to help softball players in the community where she grew up.

Mendoza, a member of USA Softball since 2001, will co-host the Nuveman/Mendoza Clinic Experience with Olympic teammate Stacey Nuveman on Sat., Jan. 3 at Moorpark High.

Mendoza and Nuveman will also be holding a Bound4College Exposure Camp on Sun., Jan. 4.

Mendoza, who was named the 2008 Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year, is excited about helping out in her hometown of Moorpark.

"I do clinics all around the world, but this one is a little more special because it's where I grew up," Mendoza said. "To be honest, I'm not making a penny off this clinic. I'm funding it myself."

Moorpark head softball coach Meaghan Stotts, who will be at the clinics, gave Mendoza a lot of credit for once again helping out.

"This one is really important to her; this is her baby," Stotts said. "To have two great Olympians at this camp is huge. I used to play against Mendoza and Nuveman in high school and college, but it's nice to be on the same team as them this time."

The softball skills clinic will focus on areas of the game such as hitting, short game, defensive play, catching and base running.

Every camper attending will receive a T-shirt, an autograph/ photo opportunity with each Olympian with their medals, as well as a chance to win bats, gloves and Nike accessories.

Later in the day, a Life Skills Clinic will be held that will feature Mendoza and Nuveman sharing stories and teaching players about education, leadership, confidence, positive body image, peer pressure and teamwork.

"The young girls these days like to hear from the Olympians and people that have once been in their own shoes," Stotts said. "Last year, I found myself listening to them very intently as well."

Mendoza said talking to the kids was a highlight.

"I've always had a slogan that said, 'Better athletes make better people,'" Mendoza said.

"What you take away from sports should help make you a better, confident woman. We will have a lot of players and coaches at this clinic that not only are knowledgeable with softball, but they can also relate to kids."

New to the camp this year is the Bound4College Exposure Camp, which is open to softball players ages 13 and older. Top Division I collegiate coaches will give lessons, as well as some recruiting tips.

"The softball camps these days don't really have a focus on older girls as much, so we thought we'd try something new and unique with the Bound4College Exposure Camp," Mendoza said.

"I feel like there is a lack of this in the Ventura County, and there is so much softball talent in the area, I figure it's about time we let everyone know about it."

To register for the camps, visit www.jmendoza.com/clinics or www.staceynuveman.com/clinics. Both camps will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.