HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay softball team doesn't have to look far for inspiration heading into this weekend's home opener against Cal State San Bernardino.

Anything the Pioneers need to know about excelling on the field can be found from head coach Claire Sua-Amundson. 

The Pioneers' fifth-year head coach is a member of the prestigious Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and she instills that confidence into her players today.

Sua-Amundson was the first-ever softball player to be inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. She became a standout softball and volleyball player at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, batting .474 with 27 home runs and 140 RBI.

Not only was Sua-Amundson amazing offensively, she was also spectacular on the mound, finishing with an overall pitching record of 48-4 with 534 strikeouts and a 0.36 ERA.

Making the hall of fame recognition even more special is she was inducted along side her sister, Seilala Sua-Zumbado, a two-time Olympian in track and field.

"Obviously I feel really honored," she said. "I was able to be inducted with my sister, who in my eyes, is the best athlete I've ever seen. Just to be mentioned with the others who have been inducted is a humbling experience. 

"I'm just really grateful I had a great community around me to help me because you don't do it by yourself. You have to have a support system."  

The Pioneers are gearing up for their home opener and first California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) contest this week on Friday, Feb. 6, beginning at noon and Saturday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. 

CSUEB (0-5) looks to build off last weekend's performances at the Concordia Kickoff Classic in Irvine, Calif., as the Pioneers began the season against several strong opponents, including No. 10-ranked Concordia (CA).  

When Sua-Amundson was asked what she told the team following opening weekend she expressed, "Trust our process in getting better. Our season is a marathon, it's not a sprint. Our ceiling is really high on the growth we can have this season."

The Pioneers are also thrilled for this week's home contests after hosting just one home series last season due weather conditions. 

"We are excited to be home," she said. "We are in our own community. That in its self brings an ease to this season."