November 21, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Former Woodbridge and UCLA softball standout Natasha Watley being honored

Natasha Watley will be inducted into the Woodbridge Hall of Fame Saturday (Photo courtesy Natasha Watley).

Former Woodbridge High and UCLA softball standout Natasha Watley, who played for the United States team in the Olympic Games, will be one of two inductees into the Woodbridge Hall of Fame on Saturday night.

Former Woodbridge High athletic director and baseball coach Dave Cowen will also be inducted during the event at the Warrior Pride Gala and Golf Tournament at the Oak Creek Golf Club, according to Jay Lyon, president of the Woodbridge High athletic booster club and Athletic Director Rick Gibson.

Watley played softball for the Warriors from 1994 to 1998 and was all-league for three seasons, all CIF for two seasons and CIF Division Division 2 player of the year in 1998, according to Gibson.

She was also selected as the Orange County softball player of the year by both the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register.

Watley batted more than .445 her last three seasons and stole more than 20 bases each season.

In college, Watley played shortstop and first base for UCLA and helped the Bruins win a national championship. Watley owns numerous records for the Bruins and is one of a select group of NCAA Division 1 players to bat at least .400 with 300 hits, 200 runs scored and 100 stolen bases, Gibson added.

RELATED: Dave Cowen to be inducted into Hall of Fame