Softball has always been part of Jeslyn Cuellar's life. Long before her time at Cal State East Bay, the game was a constant presence in her family, shaping her competitive spirit and strengthening the bonds that matter most. Now a senior, Cuellar approaches her final season with perspective, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the journey.
Her decision to become a Pioneer was rooted in both opportunity and trust.
"I chose Cal State East Bay because it allowed me the opportunity to continue playing softball not too far away from home," Cuellar said. "Coach A was also a huge part of my decision in coming to Cal State East Bay and has been a huge part in my success as a student-athlete. The athletic community here at East Bay has been nothing but amazing and has made my career here extremely special."
Being close to home meant staying connected to the people who have shaped her from the beginning. Cuellar comes from a family deeply rooted in baseball and softball, and their influence continues to guide her daily.
"My family inspires me to be the best version of myself every day," she said. "I come from a big baseball and softball family. My dad played baseball at Fresno State, and one of my brothers is currently playing there. I am very family-oriented with four siblings and eight nieces and nephews. All of my nieces and nephews hold a special place in my heart."
That foundation has been especially important during moments of adversity. Injury became one of the most defining challenges of her collegiate career. Competing through a season while injured, followed by surgery and a demanding recovery process, tested her both physically and mentally.
"Injury has been a significant challenge I have faced in my athletic career," Cuellar said. "Playing a season through injury, then having surgery and recovering in the offseason, was a pivotal moment in my career. However, God has a plan for everything, and that season of life made me resilient and helped shape me into a stronger athlete and individual."
She leaned heavily on the support around her during that time.
"My coaches, teammates, and training staff were extremely encouraging," she said. "Recovery was a lot easier with them by my side."
As graduation approaches, Cuellar is already thinking about how she can continue to influence the game.
"After I graduate and get my career going, I plan to eventually give back to the game of softball by coaching," she said. "I have the gift of knowing so much about this game, along with the experience, that I know I can impact so many young softball players with big dreams and aspirations."
Her leadership extends into this season as well. With a roster featuring many new additions, Cuellar sees growth and potential within the program.
"This year's softball team has a lot of new faces, but in the most positive way possible," she said. "We've had so many new people come in and make an immediate impact. We are looking to go further each season, so we are just taking it one game at a time. We have a sisterhood that makes playing so much more fun, and I am excited to see us continue to be successful and push each other to be our best selves."
Through every step of her collegiate journey, Cuellar's parents have remained her constant source of strength.
"I am so blessed to have such amazing parents who support me in everything I do," she said. "They are my biggest fans who are always there in my corner, pushing me to be the best student-athlete and woman I can be. They are the reason why I am who I am today and have been a huge part of my journey."
As she prepares to close this chapter at East Bay, Cuellar carries with her more than statistics or accolades. She carries the lessons learned through hardship, the joy of competing alongside teammates she calls sisters, and a commitment to eventually pass that same passion forward to the next generation of players.
