Stockton’s very own has always dreamed big and now she’s making it happen. After excelling at Saint Mary’s High School, she took her game to Delta College, where she led the team to a championship victory.
She’s staying right here in Stockton, committing to the University of the Pacific, a real hometown hero.
It’s a full circle moment for her and for everyone who’s watched her grow from a local standout to a future college star.
From the moment she picked up a softball she knew she was destined for something special.
“I started playing softball when I was about 5-years old because my dad just wanted me to get into something,” Nava said. “But it was when I was 7, watching a college softball game on TV during the College World Series, that I knew I wanted to pitch.”
“I saw a girl pitching, and I turned to my dad and said, ‘I want to do that,’ and that’s when it all started,” Nava recalls.
Nava’s years in travel ball were filled with both challenges and growth. She continued to play up and through high school.
Her especially tough sophomore year in travel ball taught her lessons about mental toughness.
“My sophomore year, I struggled a lot. There were times I almost quit, but I learned mental toughness. I learned how to fight through it, and that made all the difference. By my junior and senior years, I was playing at a much higher level,” Nava said.
Nava played for several other competitive teams before coming to Delta
Aerial Nova had an outstanding senior year showcasing her skill as a two way player. As a pitcher, she posted an impressive 1.76 ERA with a 16-4 record, striking out 174 batters over 143 innings.
Her opponents struggled with a .191 batting average against her, and she showed excellent control with only 45 walks allowed.
Her hitting was just as good, Aerial contributed offensively with a .369 batting average, 31 hits, and 17 RBIs across 26 games.
“When I first arrived at Delta, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. I only really knew two girls on the team, Nava said. “But then, I realized I had nothing to lose. I decided to have fun, and it was the most fun I’d ever had playing softball.”
A notable moment was beating Sac. City to qualify for state.
“Beating Sac City to go to state was a huge moment. Competing against the best junior colleges in California and representing the North was such a memorable experience.” She stated.
Nava’s hard work earned her several accolades, including Big 8 Conference Most Valuable Pitcher, 3C2A All-State, First Team All-American, and 3C2A Pitcher of the Year.
After her standout season, she received interest from D-I schools, including the University of the Pacific.
“It was a tough decision to go the junior college route when my teammates were committing to big universities. But looking back, I would not change it for anything,” Nava said. “Pacific’s new coaching staff and their pitching coach, Kelanni Ricketts, who’s one of the best in the game, really drew me in.”
In the 2023-24 season, Nava displayed dominance, finishing with a 30-5 record, 2 saves, and a remarkable 221 strikeouts over 230.2 innings.
In the 2024-25 season, her control tightened, as she posted a 4.64 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 95 innings.
To kick off the 2025 season, Nava set the tone with a no-hitter in Delta’s opener, striking out several batters and walking none.
Her greatest inspiration comes from her father.
“My dad is one of the strongest people I know, he has been a huge part of shaping who I am today. I would not be where I am without him,”she said.
