3CFCA Announces 2015 Hall of Fame Class
California Community College
Fastpitch Coaches Association (3CFCA)
For Immediate Release
Contact: Andrew Wheeler | awheeler@citruscollege.edu
Website: www.cccaasports.org/fastpitch/women & www.cccaasports.org/sports/sball/composite
Social Media: Facebook - www.facebook.com/cccfca
Twitter - www.twitter.com/3CFCA
The California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association is pleased to announce the naming of it's 2015 Hall of Fame Class. The 3CFCA will welcome four players into its Hall of Fame in, Xan "Alani" Silva (Santa Ana College | Cal State Fullerton), Jennifer Freeman (College of San Mateo), Chenita Rogers-Edwards (Sacramento City College | Cal State Fullerton), and Dana Tanaka (Palomar College | Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo).
Xan "Alani" Silva
Described by former Santa Ana College Head Coach Jim Reach as "the most physical community college softball player he had ever seen" and a "five-tool player", Xan "Alani" Silva came to Santa Ana College from the island of Kuaia in Hawaii. In her freshman campaign, during the 1984 season, Silva was named the California Community College Player of the Year, the South Coast Conference Player of the Year, and Santa Ana College's Female Athlete of the Year, despite having the last third of her season and the Dons' subsequent playoff run cut short by season ending knee and shoulder surgery.
As a sophomore in 1985, Silva picked up where she left off, and healthy for the first time, devastated opponents. In 1985, Silva led Santa Ana College to their only California Community College State Championship in program history. Over the course of three games in the State Championships, Silva pitched back-to-back-to-back shutouts, including one no-hitter. In the championship game, Silva added to her legend by hitting a monstrous home run that eventually led to a 2-0 win by the Dons over rival Fullerton College. Silva was named the MVP of the State Championships, and was again named the California Community College Player of the Year.
After Santa Ana, Silva moved on to California State University Fullerton where she was a teammate and roommate of fellow Hall of Fame inductee Chenita Rogers-Edwards. As a senior for legendary Head Coach Judi Garman, Silva and Rogers-Freeman helped the Titans win that program's only NCAA National Championship.
Silva currently resides in Honolulu, HI.
Jennifer Freeman
Jennifer Freeman was a two-year standout for College of San Mateo and renowned Head Coach Tom Martinez. As a freshman in 1984, Freeman batted .393 with 25 RBI's, 30 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases in 37 games. For her efforts, Freeman was named an All-Conference selection and Northern California's Most Valuable Hitter.
As a sophomore in 1985, Freeman continued her sterling career, batting .500 with 28 RBI's, 25 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases as she helped guide the Bulldogs to a berth in the California Community College State Championships, where they lost to eventual State Champion Santa Ana College. Freeman again earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore as was named Northern California Most Valuable Player.
After finishing up at College of San Mateo, Freeman eschewed numerous Division I Scholarship offers to stay close to home, finishing up her BA In English and earning her teaching credential from San Jose State University. Since 1989, Freeman has been teaching and coaching both softball and baseball.
Freeman currently resides in Half Moon Bay, CA with her husband Steve Gelphman and their son and daughter, Zane and Willow.
Chenita Rogers-Edwards
Cheinta Rogers –Edwards played her freshman and sophomore seasons at Sacramento City College in 1984 and 1985. In her two seasons, Rogers-Edwards set the standard for the Panthers record books. As a freshman Rogers-Edwards stole 43 bases which is the third best all-time in that program's history, and 12th all-time in CCCAA history.
As a sophomore Rogers-Edwards put together one of the finest offensive seasons in State history batting .608 with 51 stolen bases. Her .608 average is 1st all-time in Sacramento City College history, while her 51 stolen bases are 2nd all-time in program history.
After two-season at Sacramento City, Rogers-Edwards moved on to California State University, Fullerton where she helped lead the Titans to the program's only NCAA National Championship as a junior. In her senior season, the Titans returned to the NCAA Championships, finishing third. As a member of the Titans, Rogers-Edwards was a two-time All-American, and was named to the NCAA 25th Anniversary Team in 2006. She was also a member of the United State National Team and participated in the Pan-American Games.
Rogers-Edwards currently resides in Conyers, Georgia
Dana Tanaka
Dana Tanaka played two seasons for Palomar College in 1980 and 1981, helping turn the Comets into a powerhouse under Head Coach Mark Eldridge. As a freshman Tanaka turned in a 0.21 ERA before posting a 0.09 ERA as a sophomore. Her career ERA of 0.13 is the best in Palomar College history.
In her freshman campaign Palomar finished 24-5 en route to going 17-1 in conference play, winning the Mission Conference Championship. Tanaka led the Comets to a 36-4 record as a sophomore and perfect 18-0 record in Mission Conference play. In both seasons, Palomar qualified for the Southern California Regional Championships, finishing in third place both seasons.
After two successful seasons with the Comets, Tanaka matriculated to California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo where she played out the remainder of her career.