“For years I have driven by the softball field and had the urge to get on it and coach the girls,” said Tony Bravo, George Mason’s new varsity girls head softball coach.  

Coach Bravo came to Mason after coaching high school softball for five years, including experience at Wakefield high school and Thomas Jefferson high school. Currently the 18u Gold Shamrocks assistant coach, Bravo has worked alongside many athletes as they take the next step into the collegiate level.

“[It’s] very intense softball, yet the same mechanics you use at that the advanced level, [I] apply at the high school or recreational level,” Bravo said.

Bravo’s baseball experience of 25 years ranges from region to region. He grew up playing baseball in Texas and California, proceeded to play as shortstop and 2nd baseman for University of Southern California, and even played semi-professional baseball in Honduras. In addition, he was the first Peace Corps volunteer on record to play semi-professional baseball.

Bravo joined the Peace Corps after working in Europe for the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. As a volunteer, he was able to expand on his major in parasitology while working in El Salvador, Panamá, Belize, and Colombia.

Bravo has broad expectations this season; for the team to succeed as individuals and to succeed as a whole. This will be enforced through going back to the fundamentals and focusing on the three main aspects of softball: throwing, catching, and hitting.

“Success doesn’t necessarily always translate to a W or win, but it means fulfilling your own personal practice and game goals, and that’s what the girls will be learning this year. [This means] to set a high bar for themselves and for each other,” Bravo said.