After a challenging 2024 season with a 2–16 record, the Northridge Academy High School baseball team returned to the field this year with determination, heart, and a mission to grow. Their efforts paid off, doubling their wins from the previous year and finishing the 2025 season with a record of 4–12 a sign of steady progress and team development.
For Carlos Cordero, one of the team’s senior leaders, this season was more than numbers; it was a test of resilience. Early on, he suffered a left ankle injury that could have ended his season.“I wasn’t going to let that happen,” Carlos said. “I worked hard to gain mobility back, and it proved to me that even if I get knocked down, I have the strength to get
back up and keep fighting.” His performance turned out to be his best in all four years of playing baseball.
Team captain Nathan Jimenez highlighted their second game against Panorama as a turning point.“It was our best performance and the most fun game this season. It showed the potential we had.” Nathan admitted that while the team struggled with consistency and experience, they learned how to support each other and grow together. His personal goal for next season? “Improve my batting average and win at least half of our games.” Jesse Caballero, a freshman pitcher, recalled his 10-strikeout game against East Valley as a defining moment.“The team was working together and playing as on it felt like they had my back.” Despite facing personal doubt at times, Jesse found strength in his team captains and aims to step into a leadership role next season. “I want to play my heart out like it’s my last game and prove the doubters wrong. With God, all is possible.”
The biggest takeaway for many players wasn’t just technical improvement, but personal growth. “We learned how to pick each other up,” Nathan said. “Even after losses, we came back stronger,” Jesse added. Each challenge taught them new lessons about teamwork, confidence, and perseverance. With back-to-back seasons of improvement and a strong core of returning players, the Pumas are optimistic about the future. The 2025 season showed they can compete and more importantly that they can grow.As they look ahead, the players are already setting goals not just for wins, but for leadership, effort, and heart. The foundation is set, the chemistry is building and the Pumas are just getting started.
