Upland’s Sarah Farnworth going strong after 15 years of coaching softball
UPLAND, Calif. — “What do you want to be remembered by?”
This is a question Sarah Farnworth-Gonzalez asks frequently of both herself and her players. On and off the field, Sarah’s passion for teaching, sharing and giving shine bright. Over the past 20 + years, the game of softball has benefited from Sarah’s expertise and skill.
Sarah was born and raised in Upland. She grew up playing softball recreationally in the Hilltoppers League which continues to thrive today. Her father and uncle started a travel softball league when she was young and this fueled her passion for the sport. Sarah played both soccer and softball at Upland High School and ultimately recalls some of her favorite memories were winning CIF back in 1995-1997.
Her collegiate years were spent playing Division 1 softball as a right-handed pitcher on an athletic scholarship, first at the University of Utah for 2 years and spending her last 2 years at California State University, Northridge, where she graduated in 2001 with a degree in child development. Sarah later received her teaching credential in physical education and her masters in coaching and athletic administration.
Upon graduating, Sarah went on to coach softball at Long Beach State University and then taught and coached at Los Altos High School for 5 years. She is now in her 19th year of coaching and has been the varsity softball coach at Upland High School for 15 years. She also continues to teach elementary PE in the district and loves sharing her passion with younger students.
One of Sarah’s lifelong highlights is when she participated in the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. She was a proud member of the Grecian softball team, as she is part Greek. Her sister and cousin also made the team and this shared experience was something none of them will forget. She recalls the experience of being in the opening and closing ceremonies as being surreal.
Sarah currently is a volunteer coach and manager of American Pastime, a U10 travel softball team. This elite program not only focuses on intense training, hitting, and of course, travel games, but she also strongly supports character building and relationships concurrently. Her hope is that she is helping to leave, “better human beings” and that their footprints will help to make the world a better place. Her daughter, Brynn (10) is on the team and she lovingly spends this time in order to give her the experiences she was given by her family. Tradition is very important to Sarah. She is supported by her husband Javier, and also is raising their young son Jayce.
Upland High School is entering playoffs and are first place in their league. Four of the young women will be headed to play with Division 1 colleges in the fall. This very active mother/ coach/ teacher/ athlete leads by example and will herself be remembered for it.
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