i grew up around the game. just had a passion for it, a love for it and, obviously, the support of my family to compete at it. reporter: as a young girl, lisa fernandez was december stinted to play destined to play ball. her love of the game started with her father antonio who emigrated from cuba and her mother amelia who grew up playing stickball. the first generation american started going to their softball games when she was still in diapers and took her first swing at 8. it was just a way to keep me active. for some reason i had a passion for being able to catch a ball and hit a ball and throw a ball up against the wall. reporter: at ucla the right will have hander was first team all-american all four years leading the bruins to two national championships and twice finishing as the runner-up. her earned run average is second in ncaa history, her 74 shutouts still hold the record at her alma meater.