When one watches Fremont Firebirds senior Jiyah Caban on the softball diamond or on the basketball court, two things almost always stand out – maturity and competitiveness. Having been a four-year varsity starter for both basketball and softball, it would be easy for a teenager in Caban’s shoes to pack it in when the opponent has a big lead. That’s just not how Caban is wired, though.
As noted in The Voice a couple weeks ago, Caban was seen pumping up teammates and carrying herself as if the softball World Series was on the line, despite trailing Leigh High School 9-2 in the last inning of a non-league contest.
“I grew up with all the coaching that I have had, they remind me the game is not over until the umpires or the refs call ‘ballgame,’” noted Caban in a sit-down interview with The Voice. “That’s why I never want to be lazy because the game can change really quickly. One pitch, someone can hit a home run, and then it’s a closer score. That’s how I learned not to be lazy, never give up until it’s over.”
The Voice also recently spoke with Jiyah’s parents, Keith and Loida Caban, to get insights on their soon-to-be college-bound daughter.
“For us, we have always talked to her about just having fun, because if you’re not having fun, you shouldn’t be playing,” recalled Jiyah’s mother, Loida Caban. And it’s not just about you; that’s why you are playing team sports. It’s not just one person; there may be a star on the team, but it takes a team effort to make the game.”
Not only does Caban understand the team aspect of softball at a high level, she’s already passing on her knowledge to younger players, helping her dad coach basketball.
“She has a special skill with kids. She helped me coach basketball, and she connects with the kids a lot better than I can; she knows how to get them to do what I wanted them to do,” admitted Keith Caban. “She just has a real special connection; she really has a great gift with talking to and coaching the younger kids.”
Caban’s wise-beyond-her-years attitude towards the game and on-field talent caught the eye of San Francisco State Gators Head Coach Alicia Reid. That is where Caban has chosen to play softball next year, having been recruited since prior to her junior season at Fremont.
“My choice to go to SF State was because of the coaching staff. We have a female head coach, she’s loud, she’s competitive, she’s played the game at a high level before,” chimed Caban on her choice of schools, where she plans to study psychology with a minor in child development. “I also wanted to pick a school that is very diverse. I didn’t want to go to a school where I felt left out, I wanted to feel included and easy to connect with people.”
“She was one of the few coaches that really checked up on Jiyah when they were doing tournaments and things like that,” added Loida Caban on coach Reid. “She’s been constant with her communication.”
While Jiyah Caban is excited about what’s to come, she knows nothing is guaranteed at the next level.
“I know other girls that were committed as an infielder, but they moved to the outfield. I know going into SF, I just want to earn my spot on the field; I don’t care where I play. I will be ready for anything.”
