Cal State East Bay's softball team celebrates the exceptional talents of Marissa Quintero, a sophomore pitcher who has become a formidable presence on the mound. Known for her precise pitching and strategic gameplay, Quintero is not only a key player for the Pioneers but also one of the top players in the CCAA.
Marissa Quintero, originally from Whittier, California, stands out not only for her athletic performance but also for her academic passion as a Kinesiology major. In her debut season in 2024, Quintero was honored with several accolades including CCAA Freshman of the Year and NFCA DII All-Region West Second Team. Her innovative skills helped propel the Pioneers to their first NCAA Division II West Regional appearance as a CCAA member. Academically, she was an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete and was on the CCAA All-Academic Team.
As the Pioneers have had a historical start to the 2025 season, Quintero has enhanced her reputation further by pitching two no-hitters and maintaining an impressive earned run average of 1.38, the third lowest in the CCAA. Her ability to limit batters to a .188 average truly sets her apart in collegiate softball. Recognition of her prowess came early in the season when she was named FloCollege/CCAA Pitcher of the Week and was also selected for the Concordia Kickoff Classic All-Tournament Team.
In her own words, Quintero explains the significance of being a Pioneer, "Being a Cal State East Bay Pioneer means to me to be driven and to push through any obstacles that one may encounter." Her selection of Cal State East Bay was influenced by both location and academic opportunities, citing her appreciation for the scenic campus and its strong Kinesiology program. Despite facing challenges like a sore arm in last year's regionals, Quintero remains resilient, motivated by her past experiences and the strong support from her family and teammates.
Marissa Quintero continues to leave an indelible mark on the Cal State East Bay softball program and the broader sporting community through her athletic and academic endeavors. She hopes to continue her sophomore season's success in the circle as the Pioneers chase a regular season CCAA title as they are first in the conference standings.
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