Projected to finish in the top 10 in PGF, Lady Magic 16U is loaded with talent and is one of the club teams we will follow very closely this summer.

What makes Lady Magic so special is how the program's legacy is kept in the hands of its alumni such as Lindsey Munoz (formerly Ziegenhirt). The former Cal and Team USA player is now a co-head coach alongside her husband, Ernie, for Lady Magic 16U Munoz. 

Lindsey was a part of the Lady Magic 16U team that won a national championship in 2008. Members from that squad also included Ally Carda (UCLA, Team USA), Jolene Henderson (Cal, USSSA Pride, Team USA), and Cheyenne Cordes (Cal, USA women’s junior team).

In this interview with FloSoftball, Lindsey gives the inside scoop on what makes the Lady Magic program so successful.

FloSoftball: When did program start and how did it come to be?

Lindsey Munoz: Lady Magic was founded in 1983 and since the early 2000s has been a local powerhouse in the Sacramento area. Lady Magic has produced top-level softball players who have gone on to play in every Power Five conference in the country with multiple players making appearances in the Women’s College World Series. Several players have also competed on the USA women’s national team. 

Our Munoz team started in 2014 as a second-year 12U team. We felt that as coaches we could make a difference in the development of our local youth softball players and continue the championship tradition of Lady Magic. 

Where are you based? Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state?)

The Lady Magic organization is based out of Sacramento, CA, but our team has players from all over Northern California and Nevada. 

What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?

Our main purpose for creating our team was to teach young players the skills, both mental and physical, that an elite player would need to possess. 

Our goal is to train like a college team would train, so when each of our players reaches the collegiate level they are prepared to make an impact their freshman season. We believe that by training at this level, championships and the potential to play at the collegiate level will come as a result. 

What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?

One thing we are proud of as a coaching staff is that our team has qualified for PGF Nationals every year since we started our team in 2014. 

Our record last year (fall and summer combined) was 66-10 which included a second-place finish at the TCS Best of the West and a first-place finish at Champions Cup. 

What makes the organization unique?

Unlike many organizations around the country, Lady Magic only allows for one team per age group. Also, the coaching staffs move up with the team from season to season. This gives us the opportunity to groom our players from 10U all the way up to 18 Gold. Another unique fact about Lady Magic is that there is a Lady Magic [alum] on each coaching staff. This assures that the “Magic way” is always current and traditions never die. 

Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team's history?

Our team has always risen to the occasion—they step up to any and every challenge we’ve ever thrown their way. In fall 2016, we challenged them to dominate the competition. We ended the season 28-3-1 and since then, our team has played with a “can’t lose mentality”. 

What is your primary focus or goal with this team?

At this point, our primary focus is to win a national championship. 

What do you think are the strengths of the team?

Our team is mostly known for the big power bats. At any given time any player in the starting nine can leave the yard and change the game.  

Meet Lady Magic Softball

#00 Malia Babasa, OF | 2021, uncommitted

Babasa is a new addition to our team this season. She is a speedy lefty slapper with great range in the outfield. 

#2 Ali Montes De Oca, 1B/RF | 2020, uncommitted

As one of our original players from the 2014 Magic team, Ali is a lights-out first baseman who saves many plays with a quick pick. 

#5 Shaylen McDowell, 2B/CF | 2022, Oregon State 

McDowell is a true utility player who moves from outfield to infield without missing a beat. Her athletic performance index is off the charts in her class. On offense, McDowell is versatile,  moving from the two-hole to the middle of the lineup, producing consistent power at each spot.

#6 Savanah Whatley, 2B/SS | 2020, Utah

Whatley is a dynamic lefty slapper who uses her speed and aggressiveness to outsmart defenses and create runs. With the glove, Whatley makes diving plays up the middle look easy and can switch between short and second effortlessly.

#8 Amy LeGrande, OF | 2020, uncommitted

LeGrande’s range and leadership in center field rival outfielders at the college level. Her ability to slap or hit for power make her a tough out at the plate.

#9 Rylie Miller, RHP | 2020, uncommitted

Miller’s riseball/changeup combo keeps hitters off balance. She can get the strikeout in clutch situations and has pitched competitive games against the top teams in the country.

#10 Isabela Emerling, C/1B | 2021, Cal Berkeley

Emerling is a new pickup that has good pop with the bat and arm behind the plate. Adding Emerling to the catching rotation and lineup elevates this team to a new level.

#11 Sydney Peterson, MIF/3B | 2021, LSU

Peterson anchors the middle of our powerful lineup as well as the middle of the infield. Her range and excellent glove work, slot throws, and quick release make her a tough defender to beat.

#12 Arianna Pires, 3B/OF | 2020, Sacramento State

Pires is a versatile defender in both the infield and the outfield. At the plate, Pires hits anywhere in the middle of the order and is usually in the top five on the team in RBIs.

#13 Katelyn Oldwin, RHP | 2020, uncommitted

Oldwin is a 5-foot-9 right-handed pitcher that throws in the low to mid-60s and has been one of the top power pitchers in NorCal since she was 12U. 

#15 Jordan Woolery, SS/3B | 2022, UCLA

Woolery has been the most consistent hitter on our team—hitting for both power and average year in and year out. She was the first player in the 2022 class to commit to the Pac-12.  

#16 Shelbie Caro, 1B | 2020, uncommitted

Caro has a big presence at the plate. She’s a solid line-drive hitter that is traditionally one of the top producers in our lineup.

#17 Caitlyn Newburn, C/OF | 2022, UCLA

Newburn, although small in stature, can hit the ball 250 feet and will rival any power bat in her class. She is also one of the smoothest defenders behind the plate according to college coaches.

#22 Dakota Kennedy, OF| 2022, uncommitted

Kennedy joined our team this past fall and quickly became one of our top hitters. She is a true five-tool player and has already gained interest from schools in the Pac-12, Big Ten, and SEC. 

#23 Ela Villanueva, RHP | 2020, St. Mary’s

Villanueva has been one of our most consistent pitchers since she joined our team in 2015. She starts for us, but also comes in as a relief, often getting our defense out of a critical jam with a strikeout. 

#24 Madilyn Mays, 1B/RHP | 2020, St. Mary’s

Mays is new this season to our team, but we expect big offensive contributions from her.

#33 Harleigh Braswell, C/OF | 2020, Arizona State

Braswell’s powerful lefty swing allows her to hit home runs from foul pole to foul pole. As a catcher, Braswell boasts an intimidating 1.7 pop time. 

#24 Tianna Bell, 3B/SS | 2022, Washington

Bell is another pickup who committed to the University of Washington in February. Smooth and fluid on the infield, it's no surprise that coach (Heather) Tarr added Bell to her 2022 commit list.

The 2022 Hot 100 launches in May 2018. Be sure to submit your nominations HERE or get your athletic measurements tested by AthPro360.