SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco State head softball coach Cristina Byrne and select Gator players took time away from their busy summer schedules last month to conduct a clinic for the San Francisco chapter of the Special Olympics on campus at SFSU Softball Field. 

 

A group of 25 Special Olympians joined coach Byrne, along with seniors Lea Cardenas, Rachael Kroneder, Kendra Wood, freshman Kelsey Murakami and assistant coach Al Estoesta for the two-hour event, which focused on hitting and throwing mechanics, as well as infield and outfield drills.

 

“It was a great experience and we are so grateful for the opportunity to work with these amazing athletes,” coach Byrne said.  “We hope to continue and develop our relationship with Special Olympics and especially their softball program. We were blessed to get to teach and learn from these fine athletes and appreciate the hard work that they put in.”

 

“The feedback I have received from my athletes and their families has been outstanding,” said Special Olympics coach Greg McKinney.  “They really appreciate the time and effort that the coaches and players put into conducting such an excellent clinic.  By all measures it was a huge success.”