Fernandez, Lisa (1971–)
Fernandez, Lisa (1971–)
American softball player. Born Feb 22, 1971, in Long Beach, California; graduate in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles, 1995; dau. of Antonio Fernandez (played semi-pro baseball in Cuba before immigrating to US in 1962) and Emilia Fernandez (native of Puerto Rico who played in several softball leagues).
Considered one of the best all-around players in fast-pitch softball (1990s), won 1st American Softball Association championship at 11; during high school career, pitched 69 shutouts, 37 no-hitters, and 12 perfect games; while at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), was a 4-time All-American and a 2-time NCAA champion, breaking 7 UCLA records, topping NCAA record of winning percentages with a .930 average (93-7) and leading the nation in hitting (.510); for Team USA, won 6 games and a gold medal at Pan American Games (1991); played for the Raybestos Brakettes; pitched for the 1st-ever US Olympic women's softball team and won the gold medal at Atlanta (1996); won team World championship (2002); won team gold medals at Sydney Olympics (2000) and Athens Olympics (2004). Won Honda Cup Award (2000); named Women's Sports Foundation Athlete of the Year.
See also Christina Lessa, Women Who Win (Universe, 1998); and Women in World History.