News Summary
CAPO Girls Softball is commemorating its 50th anniversary, providing a platform for girls in San Juan Capistrano and surrounding areas to engage in softball. The league started in 1975 and now boasts over 300 players. With notable achievements, including a national championship and a recent win by the 10U All-Star team, CAPO aims to enhance community involvement and has plans for rebranding and infrastructure improvements. Registration for the fall season is open, targeting an increase in team participation.
San Juan Capistrano – CAPO Girls Softball is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 50th anniversary in the San Juan Capistrano community. Established in 1975, this nonprofit organization provides a platform for girls from San Juan and surrounding areas like Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Capistrano Beach, and Dana Point to engage in softball while fostering skills and friendship.
The league started in early 1975 when a group of parents in Mission Viejo aimed to create a safe environment for girls to learn the fundamentals of softball. Initially featuring a modest number of teams, CAPO Girls Softball quickly gained popularity, resulting in the construction of improved fields and the acquisition of better equipment, thanks to parental support and community involvement.
By 1986, the league had established its first All-Star team, which participated in regional championships. This team achieved remarkable success, clinching the district championship the following year in 1987. In 1991, CAPO took a significant step by hosting its first national championship tournament, attracting teams from various states, enhancing its recognition and appeal.
In a notable achievement, the CAPO Girls Softball 10U All-Star team, known as Cobra Kai, recently won the USA Softball 10U Western National Championships in 2023, showcasing the league’s ongoing commitment to excellence and development in youth sports.
Currently, CAPO Girls Softball has grown to include over 300 players, many of whom continue to pursue their passion for the sport through high school, college, and even professional athletics. The organization proudly notes that many former players return as coaches and volunteers, reinforcing the cycle of mentorship and community spirit.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, CAPO Girls Softball is undergoing a rebranding initiative that highlights its rich heritage and connection to San Juan Capistrano. This includes redesigning uniforms that feature a Western equestrian aesthetic, incorporating symbols such as mission bells on the sleeves and swallows in the logo, which reflects the unique identity of the area.
Jessica Jardine, responsible for community partnerships and sponsorship, has highlighted the importance of connecting with the local heritage to foster a stronger sense of community involvement. The league aims to attract even more local players to its teams, further establishing its presence within the community.
To support the ongoing development of the league, improvements are being made to Cook Cordova Park, the home field of CAPO Girls Softball. These enhancements are being facilitated through fundraising efforts and partnerships with the city, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, including improved batting cages and backstops. These improvements are designed to create a welcoming and positive experience for both visiting teams and players.
The organization hosted a significant spring opening day in March 2025, which served as a reunion for alumni and a commemoration of past teams that had experienced disruptions in celebrations due to COVID-19. Further celebrations are anticipated as the city of San Juan Capistrano prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary.
Registration for the fall season is currently open, with the league hoping to increase the number of teams compared to the previous year. Regular registration will remain available until August 10, with fees ranging from $150 to $235, although costs will rise after this date. Interested individuals seeking more information can visit the league’s website.
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Additional Resources
- The Capistrano Dispatch: CAPO Girls Softball Celebrates 50 Years
- Wikipedia: Softball
- OC Register: Orange County Softball Player of the Year 2025
- Google Search: Softball Celebrations
- MassLive: Westfield State Softball Wins Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- The Capistrano Dispatch: JSerra Girls Track and Softball Update
- Google News: Softball Record News
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
