NOTES: Ex-Concordia softball star in Olympics, Chapman team honored and Angels host back to school event

Amanda Fama takes a swing while playing for Concordia’s softball team. (Photo courtesy  Jay Hobbs /CUI Athletics)

Former Concordia University Irvine softball standout Amanda Fama is playing for Italy’s softball team in the Tokyo Olympics that begin on Tuesday, according to Concordia athletic officials.

Fama, a graduate of Loara High in Anaheim, is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy, officials noted.

She still holds Concordia records in career home runs, single season home runs and is tied for the highest batting average (.414).

At Concordia, Fama was a first team All-American, two-time All-GSAC selection, and the 2012 GSAC Player of the Year. Fama was an assistant coach this past season for Concorida.

Italy will play Team USA Tuesday at 8 p.m. with the game scheduled to be shown on NBC Sports Network.

CHAPMAN WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM HONORED

Although the 2020 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Chapman University women’s volleyball team continued to shine academically and received the United States Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s team academic Award for 2020-21.  The team had a 3.504 team GPA. It’s the eighth year in a row the team has earned the award.

Also this week, 14 of the 20 student-athletes on the roster were recognized as SCIAC All-Academic, according to Chapman athletic officials.

Chapman is scheduled to open the season in the Pacific Coast Classic Sept. 3-4.

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT AT ANGEL STADIUM

The Angels hosted a back to school event this week at Angel Stadium. About 800 students, 14 and under, attended the event from various local non-profit organizations including Anaheim Family YMCA, Project Access, KidWorks and Boys and Girls Club Greater Anaheim-Cypress, as well as Boys and Girls Club Stanton and Boys and Girls Club Westminster, the Angels said in a release.

Children in attendance received shoes, school supplies, Angels clothing items, Angels Kids Meals and sandals.

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