PHOENIX – The Bourgade Catholic High School softball team isn’t shying away from big goals in 2026. After back-to-back region championships and a dominant 17-1 regular season last year, the Golden Eagles enter this spring with a clear mission, finish the job with a state title.
Head coach Freddie Quihuis, entering his fourth year at the helm, said the offseason renewed focus and motivation after last year’s disappointing early playoff exit.
“Yeah, that was bad. It hurt,” Quihuis said of the 13-1 loss to ALA-West Foothills in the first round. “I feel like the season didn’t mean anything, and that’s why this year I scheduled tougher games. I’d rather take some losses early so we’re ready later.”
This season, Bourgade’s schedule includes several top-10 programs. Including a rematch against ALA-West Foothills on Mar. 6 and an Apr. 1 game against Empire, the reigning back-to-back state champions. The goal, is to expose the lady Golden Eagles to playoff-caliber competition early and build mental toughness along the way.
“We did go in overconfident last year,” he said. “This time, I pulled us out of one tournament so we can focus more on fundamentals.”
11 players return from last year’s roster, including three seniors and a core group of upperclassmen who’ve grown together. Team chemistry has remained strong, especially as more players have taken on club softball during the offseason.
“They’re playing with a chip on their shoulder,” Quihuis said. “They knew they had to get better individually, and they did. They’re coming in with a little pep in their step this year.”
Among the leaders is senior pitcher Camila Quinonez, who anchors Bourgade’s rotation and brings a quiet determination to her final high school season.
“I really want to take my team to state,” she said. “These are my last memories as a senior, so I’m going to value every moment and work hard with my teammates.”
She admitted last year’s playoff loss was difficult but believes it will fuel the team this spring. She also pointed to the team’s unity as one of it’s greatest strengths.
“We’re all so close that we can talk about anything,” she said. “On the field, we’re loud and supportive. It’s like a family.”
Quinonez will continue her softball career at Yavapai College, set a personal goal of 150 strikeouts this season, nearly doubling her career high.
“Besides winning a state championship, we just want to get better every game,” Quihuis said. “We can’t go backwards. Each time out, we have to improve.”
With experience, leadership and a more demanding schedule, Bourgade Catholic looks poised to take the next step in its journey.
“We should win our region again,” Quihuis said. “But that’s just a small goal. At the end of the day, we’re trying to win a state championship, that’s the one thing that’s going to make us happy.”
Bourgade Catholic softball opens up their season at home on Feb. 25 against Kingman. First pitch is at 3:45pm. Click here for full season schedule.