It was February 2011 at the 49er Softball Complex. The first game of the season was in the books, a 5-3 win by the Long Beach State softball team over Loyola Marymount. The 49ers had a freshman taking the mound for their second game against Boise State. It was one who would go on to shatter school records and elevate a program already accustomed to winning.
49ers pitching ace Erin Jones-Wesley was a junior in high school when she started garnering attention for her talent in the circle. It was her strong makeup that, though, that head coach Kim Sowder said separated Jones-Wesley from the rest.
“She had very good velocity. She was a competitor,” Sowder said. “She carried herself very well as far as being confident. She just looked mentally tough.”
Many colleges took notice as well. Jones-Wesley said that along with most of the Big West schools, big-name universities like Virginia Tech, BYU and Penn State recruited her. But Jones-Wesley was never leaving California, and a visit to Long Beach State solidified her decision.
“I talked to the coaches. They were all about positive energy. I’m all about positive energy,” Jones-Wesley said. “They just had really good vibes. I really liked the campus. It just seemed like a really good fit.”
Jones-Wesley also mentioned that going to school relatively close to her parents, who live in Rancho Cucamonga, was also an important factor.
STARTING WITH A BANG
Jones-Wesley’s first career start against Boise State would set the tone for her next four years. She struck out eight batters while only giving up three hits in a complete game shutout. It would be the first of 76 (and counting) complete games.
“I don’t remember the pitching line,” Jones-Wesley said. “I just remember that we won. It was cool to start my first college season off with two wins. That doesn’t get to happen often. Most people don’t even get to start their first weekend of college, let alone win the game, so that was kinda cool.”
Jones-Wesley would go on to have the best statistical season of her career. She finished 23-8 with a 1.80 earned run average in 198 innings pitched. The accolades would soon follow her terrific debut performance. Not only was she named Big West Conference Freshman of the Year, but also the Big West Pitcher of the Year.
CONTINUED SUCCESS
Jones-Wesley’s sophomore and junior years would be more of the same. In addition to being named Big West Conference Pitcher of the Week multiple times, she’s been selected to the First-Team All-Big West team for three consecutive seasons and has three career no-hitters.
Jones-Wesley’s performance this year has been in-line with her career numbers. She’s 18-9 with a 2.96 earned run average, which would be a career high. Jones-Wesley got off a to a rough start this season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at the end of last season. She rebounded strong towards the middle of the season, though, and it’s no coincidence the team surged in the standings after her return to dominance.
Jones-Wesley came into the season ranked fourth in career wins with 61. The school record was 78, held by Meredith Cervenka. In an April start against UC Riverside, Jones-Wesley tossed five shutout innings in an 8-0 victory. She said that she was aware of the record, but quickly forgot about it once the game started.
“I’m just trying to win the game,” Jones-Wesley said. “So once the game’s over, I’m walking over to lineup to say good game to the other team, and Hannah [De Gaetano’s] actually like ‘Oh my god that was like your top win!’ The fact that she was so excited made me even more excited. I was trying to be cool about it, and she was so happy for me. It made me really happy.”
BEYOND SOFTBALL
Despite being one of the most decorated pitchers in Long Beach State history, Jones-Wesley’s favorite moments don’t involve softball.
“I used to say that it was when we beat Oklahoma my freshman year, because they were ranked like sixth and weren’t ranked at all,” Jones-Wesley said. “But now I think that my favorite moment is non-softball moments. The times on the bus, and the times that we went out to eat.”
Jones-Wesley, unable to hold back a smile, credits so much of her success and growth as a person to her teammates. Whether it was their support in her recovery from a torn ACL, or just goofing around before practice, the bonds she shares with them are apparent.
One moment stands out most among the many, though.
“In the beginning of the year we have a big banquet for all the athletes, like a big barbeque, and we have to lip sync a song,” Jones-Wesley said. “So this year, we were tired of coming in last place all four years. So this year we’re gonna make a dance, we’re gonna have a routine. It was a really good time. Everyone was just practicing and taking it so seriously. We were so cute.”
One of Jones-Wesley’s closest friends on the team, catcher Karli Sandoval, had nothing but glowing things to say about the 49ers’ star pitcher.
“She’s fun,” Sandoval said, laughing. “She’s just fun to be around. Positive, energetic, just easy going.”
Jones-Wesley’s impact on Long Beach State softball goes beyond statistics and awards. She was the leader of a new era of players that set the foundation for this year’s team.
“She’s been a huge leader for us for four years. Anyone in the circle is really important, and leads your team,” Sowder said. “She helped lead the way to one conference championship and we’ll see, hopefully another.