Redding Native Jessica Rapoza Surpasses 400 Career Wins, Becomes All-Time Winningest Coach at El Camino College
- Rex Ballard
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Torrance, Calif. — Jessica Rapoza, who grew up playing softball in the fields of Redding, California, reached another historic milestone Friday. The Redding native became the all-time winningest coach in El Camino College (ECC) softball history with her 328th victory at the school — a 6-3 win over Fullerton — while pushing her overall head coaching record over 400 wins.
From Redding Roots to National Recognition
Born and raised in Redding to parents Terry and Sally Rapoza, Rapoza fell in love with softball at age 9. Her Northern California upbringing in Shasta County instilled the work ethic, fundamentals, and community values that define her coaching style today. After a standout collegiate career at Point Loma Nazarene University (two-time NAIA All-American), she returned home to Redding. There, she worked as a hitting and defensive instructor at MVP Academy and ran her own youth clinics, giving back to the same community that nurtured her passion.
Visuals and Video Highlights
Photos of Coach Rapoza: See her coaching third base and celebrating milestones in the ECC field. View full photo feature from hr 400-win celebration (includes images of Rapoza with players and on the field).
Video: Player insights on Rapoza’s impact, all-time Savanna Kastigar on playing for Coach Rapoza
Redding-Forged Coaching Philosophy
Rapoza’s Redding roots shine through in her player-centered approach. She prioritizes personal growth, confidence, and integrity above all:
“I don’t remember the wins and the losses. But I remember seeing an athlete come into me with not a lot of confidence and leave with the most confidence in the world.”
Lilly Lewis (second baseman):
“She loves us so much, and she makes that known, and we feel that. She believes in us, we believe in her.”
Savanna Kastigar (utility hitter):
“She has the ability to make you love the sport if you fell out of love for it… You want to win, not only for yourself, but because she’s such a good coach. So you want to win for her, too.”
On integrity, a core Redding value she upholds:
“We’re always going to do things the right way. We’re not going to sacrifice our integrity for a win.”
She also draws from personal experience on tough days:
“No one really needs your kudos in good days. It’s the bad days that you really need somebody who remembers what it felt like to have a bad day.”
Historic Achievements at El Camino College
Since taking over the Warriors program in 2015 (her 10th+ season), the Redding product has transformed ECC softball: multiple South Coast Conference titles, a school-record 39 wins in 2025, and the program’s first CCCAA State Final Four appearance. Her total head coaching record now stands at over 400 wins.
From Redding youth fields and local clinics to leading a Southern California powerhouse, Jessica Rapoza embodies how strong hometown roots fuel extraordinary success. Shasta County’s own continues to inspire the next generation of players — both at ECC and back home.
Congratulations to Coach Rapoza on these remarkable milestones!
