Around this time last year, I was finishing up my last year of undergraduate studies, overwhelmed with the opportunities presented to me through the transfer portal.
The day after I graduated, I received an email from coach Lisa Fernandez expressing interest in me furthering my softball career and obtaining my master’s degree at UCLA. After a few phone calls, I found myself boarding a flight to LAX for a 10-hour campus visit.
In that brief time, I knew that this was the place that I wanted to spend my last year. The standards, expectations and culture of excellence were immediately apparent.
Additionally, I have always aspired to be a softball coach, using my knowledge and passion to give back to the game that has given me so much. When I learned about John Wooden’s Transformative Coaching and Leadership master’s program, I knew that this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Once I got dropped off at the airport that night, it did not take long for me to realize that this was where I wanted to be. Within 20 minutes of being at the airport, I contacted head coach Inouye-Perez and committed.
While my decision was a no brainer, I still had some concerns that I voiced to the coaches. I was concerned about being able to connect with the team and build meaningful relationships in just one year.
Being a transfer can be hard, and I quite honestly did not know what to expect. I was coming into this program with plans of staying in my own lane and doing what was asked of me.
Another concern was whether I was good enough to be here. Coming from a mid-major school and stepping into a Power Four program with insane talent was intimidating. What I did know was that I wanted to make an impact in any way possible.
I was committed to doing everything in my power to play at my best, mentor my younger teammates and leave the program better than I found it. I wanted to challenge myself in every way possible and fulfill my childhood dream of playing at the highest level. I took a leap of faith, trusting my instincts and answering the call to UCLA.
Despite my doubts, I was determined to make this final year one of growth, impact and self-discovery. I wanted to feel the pressure of performing on the big stage – both on and off the field.
Thanks to some incredible mentors, they encouraged me to dive in head first, reminding me that I was good enough and deserved to play at the highest level in my last year.
My time at UCLA has been nothing short of a dream. From the moment I showed up on campus, my teammates and coaches welcomed me with open arms. I did not just join a team – I joined a family which was unlike anything I had experienced.
One of our first bonding activities was a movie night at Easton Stadium. It was at this moment that I knew that I had made the right choice, and that it would possibly be one of the greatest years of my life.
We saw a shooting star, which would become our motto to “aim higher” for our 2024-2025 softball season. It was the beginning of something special.
Through rigorous training, challenging practices and team bonding, our team learned that we can do hard things together. Despite the intensity, we still managed to have fun and enjoy developing our craft.
We could have easily let it consume us but instead, we chose to embrace adversity and walk through fire together.
As I prepared for my last season, I wasn’t nervous. Rather, I found myself eager to take the field. Competing in the Big Ten for the first time, traveling to new places and playing the game I love with the best teammates imaginable is something that I will always cherish.
This season was filled with lots of laughter, love, tears and resilience. UCLA taught me the power of leaning into each other, having each other’s backs and developing mental strength.
Like any team, we experienced many ups and downs, but our love, commitment to each other and desire to win remained constant. The women I’ve played alongside have shaped me in ways I can’t put into words. They’ve challenged me, uplifted me and walked beside me through every moment.
UCLA gave me sisters for life, and I am forever indebted to them. It also gave me the freedom to be my true, authentic self. The best and worst parts of me came out this season, and instead of judgment, I was met with grace.
Our coaches always encouraged us to stay true to ourselves and our values, and I have learned to reframe my mindset, understanding that while I cannot always control my thoughts, I can control the thoughts that I indulge.
I have learned a lot about myself and have grown tremendously this year, and I owe it to the incredible mentors, teammates and coaches who believed in me.
Most importantly, all glory goes to God. I have witnessed Him work in miraculous ways, and this experience has deepened my faith beyond measure.
As I enter the last week of my college career, I can say that this entire year has truly been a dream come true.
From preseason and conference play to the Big Ten conference tournament, regionals, super regionals and now the Women’s College World Series, I never thought that I would get to experience the wonders and joys of postseason.
It has been an honor to wear and represent the four letters across my chest. I am incredibly grateful and fortunate to have been part of something bigger than myself, representing those who came before us and those who will come after us.
UCLA has transformed me into a strong, confident, resilient and empowered leader. I have also learned how to fall in love with the process, regardless of the result.
The legacy of UCLA is one that I will carry with me forever. Though I wish I had more time here, I have come to realize that it was meant to play out exactly as it did.
If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. The laughs, the memories and the friendships will last a lifetime.
I have witnessed Bruin Magic – the unwavering belief that we can do anything. UCLA is a magical place to be, and I am forever grateful to be a Bruin.
While I may not know where my next journey will take me, I am blessed to know that I will forever have a home and family here at UCLA. Go Bruins!
Clements played for UCLA softball in 2025 after transferring from Cal Poly.
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