The 2026 CCS Division V Championship game for the 2026 Santa Clara Bruins varsity softball squad saw the stellar team storm past Silver Creek by a 14-8 final. Powered by a tremendous offensive attack, the Bruins scored double digits in all three of their playoff games, including a remarkable eight-run comeback to win 17-16 in extra innings against North Monterey County in the penultimate game of the season. Perhaps though, the team’s most impressive victory came during the regular season. After losing 10-0 to league rival and eventual league champion Palo Alto on March 31, the Bruins earned their revenge and the season series split against the Vikings with a 5-2 home win on May 5. Santa Clara Head Coach Julie Kawamoto relied on a diverse group of players who bonded together after some tough seasons in years past.
“It was an amazing ride, we are definitely going to miss our seniors,” said Coach Kawamoto in an exclusive interview with The Voice. “Considering the fact that we have had a lot of ups and downs, a lot of downs, we definitely brought it all together this year. To put it actually into words is kind of hard. Ultimately, it all came together, the seniors and the juniors and sophomores, they just all came together as one unit this year.”
Over the past few years, the Bruins have been dealt a rough hand with key players landing on the ineligible list, injuries, and simply low numbers. In multiple seasons since the Covid pandemic began, the Bruins’ junior varsity team was unable to complete their schedule.
However, everything came together in 2026. Led by senior leaders in catcher Chloe Boyes, utility player Cita Chavez, pitcher Gisele Valdez, and second baseman Jazzy Ramirez, the Bruins had plenty of leadership. They also featured top players in multiple classes with Victoria Calvillo of the 2027 class and Rylan Morales of the 2028 class playing crucial roles in the top-6 of the batting order.
Frequently taking the headlines in the team success were Calvillo and Ramirez, but after the Championship win, Coach Kawamoto wanted to make sure to call attention to one of her more under the radar contributors, her catcher and captain, Chloe Boyes.
“I love that you asked about her, because yes, Chloe did fall under the radar a lot, but the reason why the team was so successful is because she was a captain,” remarked Coach Kawamoto when asked about her starting backstop. “She has great leadership. Not a lot of people see the toughness that a catcher has to go through every game. To be able to catch three different pitchers, all at way different speeds. To know different runners, and how to pitch to different hitters. We have been really lucky to have Chloe; she’s such a smart kid. Our leadership award went to Chloe this season. Her shoes are going to be hard ones to fill.”
“It means so much to have the end of my softball career end with such a big accomplishment,” remarked Boyes on winning the CCS Championship. “Especially since our school program hasn’t done this in a while. Means so much for all this hard work to have paid off.”
