Burroughs Bears enter the 2026 season as the defending Pacific League Champions

Published by

Lorenzo Antonio

on

Bears looking to attempt at back to back League titles 

A baseball field with players practicing and a group in the background, surrounded by trees and mountains in the distance.
A softball field with several players in the positions; one player in red catching, while others in black are positioned around the field, under a clear blue sky.
A softball field during practice, featuring several players in gray uniforms positioned on the field, with palm trees and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

The John Burroughs Bears are entering the 2026 season coming off an improbable 2025. The Bears defied preseason expectations by claiming their third consecutive Pacific League championship by finishing last season with a 21-7 overall and an 8-1 record in Pacific League play.

A group of softball players practicing on a field during sunset, with cars parked nearby and trees in the background.
A group of people on a softball field practicing, with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky.

Last season the Bears got bounced out of the first round in the CIF Southern Section playoffs and lost 10-2 to Teesoro in the opening round of the postseason. 

A sports field at dusk with players practicing, illuminated by field lights and surrounded by trees and a building.
A group of young athletes practicing on a grassy field during sunset, with trees and distant mountains in the background.
A softball field with players practicing, set against the backdrop of a modern multi-story building.

This Spring might not be considered as improbable, considering Burroughs is returning seven players, and all of them know what it takes to compete in a tough Pacific League. Among the key returners are five girls that made All Pacific League teams.

Group of people practicing baseball in a grassy field with palm trees and buildings in the background.
Youth softball practice on a dirt field with mountains in the background.
A group of people wearing athletic uniforms are gathered on a green field with residential buildings and palm trees in the background.

It starts with last year’s All Pacific League first team outfielder and all CIF Division three outfielder Karlee Earl, who is one of the headliners from this year’s senior group. Earl is also the only member of the Bears to have been a part of their three consecutive league titles.

A group of young female athletes practicing softball on a field, with some players kneeling and fielding balls while others stand ready. Residential buildings and trees are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A group of players, wearing red and gray uniforms, practicing on a softball field with a mountainous backdrop.
A group of young athletes practicing softball on a dirt field, with players in red and gray uniforms fielding a ball. The scene includes a dugout area with additional team members observing.

Junior’s Sophie Rangsiyawong (returning All Pacific League second team shortstop), Ali Cortez (returning Pacific League Honorable Mention), and last year’s Pacific League pitcher of the year Valentina Reyes will all play huge roles as upperclassmen.

A softball player attempting to catch a ball on a grassy field with palm trees and buildings in the background, while other players watch from the sidelines.
A person crouches in a grassy baseball field, preparing to catch a ball. In the background, apartment buildings and palm trees are visible under a clear sky.
A softball player reaches to catch a flying ball on a grassy field with palm trees and buildings in the background during sunset.

Sophomores Kalani Miramontes and Haven Vickers (returning all Pacific League second team outfielder) will also be key underclassmen for this Bears team this season. 

A group of three female softball players practicing on a sunny field with mountains and palm trees in the background. One player in a red jersey is running towards a ball on the grass, while two players in gray shirts are observing.
A softball practice scene at a field with players in red jerseys. One player is practicing batting while others are watching and preparing in the background.
A girl playing softball on a green field, preparing to catch a ball, with palm trees and apartments in the background.

Senior pitcher Hailey Franco will be committing to playing college softball at St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, New York. “I’m super excited about playing college softball next year,” she said. “But at the same I’m gonna have to get used to the winters there,” Franco also added that she had a blast playing girls flag football this past fall in addition to her playing softball this spring. 

A youth softball practice session in an outdoor field, featuring a coach preparing to pitch to a player in catching gear, while other players stand in the background waiting to practice.
Softball practice on a dirt field with players in uniforms and a coach hitting balls

Head coach Doug Nicol is no stranger to Burroughs softball, as he’s entering his 12th season overall and his sixth season in his second stint as the head coach of the program. The coaching staff under Nicol will include head junior varsity coach Thomas Clemons, and added assistant coaches Daniella Morris Simokovic, Bella Orozco, Olivia Rosales and pitching coach Mia Storer. 

A group of softball players in red shirts huddle on a field, discussing strategies with a coach, while a baseball diamond is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A baseball coach holding a bat, preparing for practice on a diamond with players in the background. The scene is set in an outdoor sports field during sunset.

Nicol’s staff will also feature returning assistant coaches, Sheila Oasay, Laban Freeman and Bill Dunaway. The coaching staff has a total of five Burroughs alumni on staff in Nicol, Clemons, Morris Simokovic, Storer and Freeman.  

A youth baseball practice session at a field, with a coach instructing players on the ground. Several young athletes are positioned in different stances, with palm trees and mountains in the background, and residential buildings in the distance.
A softball practice session occurring on a field with players participating in drills, while some practice catching and fielding on a sunny day.

Morris Simokivic (JBHS class of 97) spent the last three seasons coaching with the Burbank High softball program before returning to her high school alma matter. Orozco also spent last season working with Burbank’s softball program before joining Nicol’s staff this season. 

A group of softball players in red uniforms gathered for a team meeting on a field with mountains in the background.
A softball practice scene on a field, with players in various positions, one player pitching, and others in the background seated and observing. The environment is sunny with trees and buildings in the distance.

“To come into a new season is exciting,”  said Doug Nicol. “A lot of things that we did last year showed why this team never waivered, but it’s gonna be challenging to win back-to-back league titles.” Nicol also added that he’s excited to add Clemons and Morris Simkovic on his staff. 

A softbal field during practice with players in gray and red uniforms, palm trees and apartment buildings in the background under a clear sky.
A group of young athletes practicing softball on a diamond during sunset, with mountains in the background and residential buildings nearby.
A softball practice session taking place on a dirt field with players actively participating. A batter is preparing to hit, while others are positioned around the field. A backdrop of mountains and a dusky sky can be seen in the distance.

The Burroughs Bears will begin the 2026 season with a home game against La Canada at Gross Park at 3:45 p.m. The Bears will most likely return to Olive Park Field 3 for the South Pasadena Game on Tuesday, March 3 with first pitch scheduled for 3:45 p.m.

A softball practice session at a field during sunset, with players positioned around the diamond. A batter swings at a pitch in front of a batting cage, while coaches and players observe along the sidelines.
A softball practice scene at dusk with players batting and fielding on a dirt field, surrounded by spectators.
A group of young female softball players practicing at a field during sunset, with one player batting and a coach assisting.

The Bears will begin Pacific League play on Tuesday, March 10 with a home contest against Glendale at 3:45 p.m. Another important date on the calendar will be Burroughs Senior Night on Thursday, April 16 against their crosstown rival Burbank Bulldogs with game time scheduled for 6:00 p.m. 

A grassy field at sunset with young people playing a game, two players are in motion while others are scattered in the background, mountains are visible in the distance.
A softball field during sunset with players in action, one player stands at second base while others are positioned in the outfield.
A softball practice scene at dusk, showing players taking batting practice. One batter is swinging at a pitch while a coach stands behind a protective net. In the background, other players are engaged in practice, with spectators watching nearby.

Burroughs will participate in the Hart Tournament beginning on Saturday February 21 and then again on Saturday, February 28th. Burroughs will play Camarillo on February 21 at 11:00 a.m along with an opponent to be determined at 3:00 p.m. Their Hart Tournament contests on February 28 will be determined at a later time. 

A person wearing a cap and a shirt stands in a green field, looking towards the sky. In the background, there are trees, buildings with lit windows, and a parking structure.
Softball practice session with players in uniforms running on a dirt field, a coach observing nearby.

The Bears will also be a part of the Woodbridge Dugard Tournament from March 21 through March 28. Burroughs will play a doubleheader with Irvine and an opponent to be determined on March 21 along with their March 23 game will be determined at a later time.

Three individuals playing catch on a grassy field at dusk, with apartment buildings and palm trees in the background.
A softball practice session in an outdoor field during twilight, with players in gray and black uniforms and mountains in the background.
Two female softball players chatting on the field during sunset, with other players and vehicles in the background.

Burroughs will conclude the Woodbridge Dugard Tournament on Saturday, March 28 with a doubleheader against teams to be determined later. 

A twilight scene at a softball field, featuring a player preparing to bat, a coach standing near a batting practice setup, and other players in the background with mountains visible in the distance.
Softball players practicing on a dirt field during sunset, with a large building in the background.
A youth softball practice session at dusk, featuring a girl batting, another player fielding, and a coach pitching near a training net.

Stay tuned for coverage of Burroughs softball throughout the 2026 season.

A group of eight individuals wearing red shirts, standing together on a grassy field with a mountain backdrop.
Burroughs Softball 2026 Coaching Staff: Head Coach Doug Nicole Head JV Coach Tom Clemons and assistant coaches Bill Dunaway Laban Freeman Dani Morris Shelia Oasay Mia Storer Olive Rosales Bella Orozco Photo Courtesy John Burroughs High School Softball
Team photo of a high school softball team posing on a grassy field with mountains in the background, wearing red and white uniforms.
2026 Burroughs Bears Softball teams photo courtesy Doug Nicol
A group of players and coaches gathered on a softball field at night, wearing red and black uniforms, engaged in a discussion.
Players from two softball teams shaking hands after a game at dusk, with stadium lights illuminating the field.
A girls' softball game under bright lights during dusk, showcasing players in red and black uniforms on the field.
A youth softball game in progress under stadium lights at dusk, featuring a player in a red uniform preparing to bat, a catcher in a black uniform crouched behind home plate, and a pitcher on the mound about to throw a ball.
A youth softball game in progress at night, with an umpire on the left, a batter in red preparing to hit, a catcher in black gear, and players in the outfield.
Nighttime softball game in progress, featuring a batter in red, catcher in black, and players on the field under bright stadium lights.
A youth softball game in progress, featuring a batter in black preparing to hit the ball, a pitcher in red winding up, and fielders positioned in the background against a scenic landscape.
A youth baseball game in progress on a grassy field, with players in red uniforms and a backdrop of mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Youth softball players in red uniforms stand on a dirt field with a building in the background and a sunset sky.
A softball game in progress at dusk, with players in red uniforms on the field and spectators seated in the background next to a modern building.
A youth softball game in progress, featuring a batter in red preparing to hit a pitch from a pitcher in black. An umpire in blue is behind the batter, while players are positioned around the diamond.
Softball game in progress, featuring a player in red ready to bat, an umpire in blue, and a pitcher on the mound.
A view of a parking area next to a sports field, featuring people sitting on folding chairs and a group of players in red uniforms. Two individuals are engaged in activities near large trees, with cars parked in the background.
A wide view of a softball field during a game, featuring players in red and black uniforms, a clear blue sky, and a few spectators in the background.
A softball field during practice with players in black uniforms and one player in a red jersey, holding a bat. The background shows landscaped areas and mountains under a blue sky.
A group of female softball players in red uniforms gather on a field, celebrating and interacting after a game. In the background, a dugout with sports equipment is visible, along with trees and mountains.
A youth softball game in progress, with a batter in black ready to swing at a pitch from a player in red. The umpire is crouched behind home plate, and spectators are watching from the sidelines.
A youth softball game in progress with a pitcher throwing a ball on a dirt field, surrounded by players in red uniforms and an audience in the background.
A softball player in red prepares to bat while a catcher in black crouches behind home plate. An umpire stands to the left, and players are positioned in the outfield. The setting includes a well-maintained field with palm trees and buildings in the background under a blue sky.
A youth softball game in progress, featuring a batter in red and a catcher in black, with an umpire present. The field is set against a backdrop of palm trees and buildings under a blue sky.
A softball field with players in uniform. A pitcher in black prepares to pitch, while a coach in navy blue oversees the game. Players in red wait on the sidelines, with a group of spectators visible in the background under a bright sky.
A softball player in a red uniform prepares to bat as the catcher squats behind home plate. In the background, other players are positioned on the field with mountains in the distance and a blue sky.
A group of young female softball players in red uniforms huddle together on the field, celebrating a play, while an umpire stands nearby. The scene features a well-maintained softball diamond with mountains in the background and soft lighting.
A softball game in progress with players in red and black uniforms. A player stands at home plate while the umpire watches, with a grassy field and mountains in the background.
A softball field with a player in red on the left, an umpire in blue observing, and several players in black in the background, with mountains and a blue sky in the distance.
A softball field with players in red uniforms lined up by the dugout, while another player pitches from the mound. Spectators are visible in the background.
A player in red sports attire stands on a green field with mountains in the background and residential buildings nearby.
A view of a baseball field with players and spectators in the background, set against a backdrop of mountains and a blue sky with some clouds.
A wide view of a baseball field with players in red uniforms, surrounded by palm trees and residential buildings under a blue sky with clouds.
A baseball field with players in red uniforms, some standing and one preparing to catch a ball. Palm trees and buildings in the background under a blue sky.
A girl in a red baseball uniform stands on a baseball field with mountains and blue sky in the background.
A softball game in progress, featuring two players in red uniforms on a dirt field with mountains in the background and spectators watching from the sidelines.
A person in a red outfit walking on a grassy field with a backdrop of distant mountains and power lines under a partly cloudy sky.
A youth baseball game in progress on a grassy field, with players dressed in red uniforms. In the background, mountains and a partly cloudy sky are visible.
A view of a softball field during a game, with players in red uniforms on the field, under a cloudy sky with a building in the background.
A softball field with players in red uniforms, a large building in the background, and spectators sitting in the stands.

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