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Coaches

Coach Celina Avina
Celina Avina is the head of NorCal Bandits Fastpitch and head coach for NorCal Bandits 18U Gold. She founded the organization in fall of 2012. In addition to her roles with NorCal Bandits, Celina is the head coach for the varsity softball team at Monterey Trail High School in Elk Grove, CA. Her previous ASA coaching experience includes being a head coach or assistant with San Jose Sting, Team Xtreme, West Bay Nuggets, and Strike Zone. She was also an assistant coach with Notre Dame de Namur University and head coach for Carlmont High School.
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Celina's playing experience took her around the world, including playing in a national tournament in Canada at age 13. She was a 4-year varsity starter at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, and was the only player in Central Coast Section history to be named All-League in three consecutive seasons at three different positions. Her team won three Central Coast Section championship titles and three league titles.
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Celina received a scholarship to play at Division 1 Long Island University (LIU)-Brooklyn, winner of the most championships of any sport in Northeast Conference history. She earned a starting position at shortstop her freshman year with the LIU Blackbirds. Her team won three Northeast Conference titles and participated in the NCAA Regional Tournament in three of her four seasons. Celina graduated from LIU-Brooklyn with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice.

Coach Jose Avina 

Jose Avina attended Nicholls State University in Louisiana and played football there. Jose has been a strength coach since 2010 when he and his former teammates founded PSTI in Palo Alto. Jose has been the NorCal Bandits strength and conditioning coach since it was founded in 2012. 

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Coach Jose's main focus is injury prevention and speed/strength and agility. He does sports specific training gearing the workout towards the athletes sport. 

Coaching Philosophy ​

Softball is more than a game—it’s a journey of growth, passion, and purpose. The heart of my philosophy is the belief that development, both as athletes and individuals, is the cornerstone of long-term success. I am committed to cultivating a culture where players are encouraged to embrace every moment as a chance to learn, improve, and evolve.

Passion for the game fuels everything we do. It ignites our competitive spirit, brings energy to every practice, and drives us through adversity. I believe that a genuine love for softball is the engine behind sustained excellence. That passion creates a team environment where players support each other, celebrate each other, and push one another to be their best.

Hard work is non-negotiable. Talent may open the door, but effort, discipline, and perseverance keep it

The door open. My expectations for our athletes is to show up with a relentless work ethic and a commitment to give their best—every play, every rep, every game.

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A positive mindset is a powerful tool. I encourage athletes to focus on what they can control, find lessons in every setback, and approach challenges with confidence and resilience. Mental strength is just as important as physical skill, a strong, optimistic outlook can turn obstacles into opportunities.

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The game of softball has limitless opportunities—not just for wins and trophies, but for personal breakthroughs, leadership growth, and lifelong memories. Whether a player’s journey leads to college ball or a fulfilling high school experience, softball can shape character, open doors, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

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I believe softball is set on a foundation of core values: integrity, accountability, teamwork, and respect. These aren’t just words—they’re the building blocks of everything we do. From the fundamentals of throwing and hitting to the life lessons learned through competition. Builds athletes to prepare for both the game and the world beyond it.

My philosophy is to develop athletes, empower leaders, and inspire a love for the game that endures. Softball is a platform, but my mission is far greater: to shape strong, passionate, and prepared individuals who are ready to take on whatever comes next.

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