Having gathered unanimous All-Big 12 Freshman team honors last year, Notre Dame of Salinas grad Samantha Rey is expected to have an even bigger role for the Central Florida softball team this spring.

The left-handed hitting Rey hit .321 in 56 official at-bats, scoring 15 runs in 41 games, earning 20 starts in the infield and outfield.

Rey compiled a .935 fielding percentage, with just four errors in 62 chances.

A two-time Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division Most Valuable Player for the Spirits, Rey hit over .600 in 2023, leading them to a CCS Division I title and into the Northern California DII finals.

Rey’s older sister Victoria, will begin her junior season at Weber State, having started 44 games last spring in the outfield.

Victoria Rey has appeared in 89 games over her first two years at Weber State, having started 69. She scored 10 runs last year, while driving in five.

Rey’s glove in the outfield is among the best in the conference, having committed just three errors in 132 career chances.

Monterey Bay FC signs Paul

The retooling of Monterey Bay FC continues after the fourth-year franchise signed former Real Salt Lake forward Ilijah Paul to a one-year contract with an option for 2026.

The seventh overall selection in the 2023 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake, the 22-year-old spent two seasons with the organization, producing eight goals and two assists for the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side team.

Paul made nine appearances with Real Salt Lake, and was put on loan on two occasions, including to Ventura County FC, where he scored two goals and added an assist in eight matches.

“Ilijah is a dynamic talent with great pace, strong technical ability, and a keen eye for goal,” Monterey Bay FC coach Jordan Stewart said. “He plays with a lot of energy, creativity and versatility. He’ll be a key player in attack and creating chances.”

Last season Monterey Bay FC finished as the third-worst team in the United Soccer League Championship in scoring, missing the postseason for the third straight year.

The Union will open the regular season on March 8 at San Antonio.

Paul played two seasons at the University of Washington, where he led the Pac 12 in goals with 11, collecting four assists in being named the 2022 Pac 12 Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.

Amaral set for breakout season

Fully healthy for the first time since arriving at the University of San Francisco, JT Amaral will look to make an impact this spring for the baseball program.

The junior outfielder showed flashes last season for the Dons, starting 12 games before suffering a season-ending injury.

A former multi-sport standout at Palma, Amaral homered and was hit by a pitch seven times in 12 games, producing a .340 on-base percentage.

In 38 career games for the Dons, Amaral has homered twice and driven in nine runs. He’s also scored 13 runs and been hit 12 times. He has committed just one error in 39 chances.

Amaral excelled in football and baseball at Palma, leading the baseball team to a spot in the CCS finals in 2021.

Schreiber to have bigger role

Sebastian Schreiber is expected to have an enhanced role this spring for the Santa Clara University pitching staff.

The former Hartnell College hard-throwing hurler appeared in 18 games last season for the Broncos, striking out 14 in 18 innings of work, recording one save.

The 6-foot-3 left-handed Schreiber made one start for Santa Clara, compiling a 5.79 earned run average.

Schreiber started 14 games for Hartnell during his freshman season, striking out 75 in 65 innings of work, holding opponents to a .230 batting average.

Having prepped at Alisal, Schreiber was the 37th-ranked left-handed high school pitching prospect out of California by Perfect Game.

Martorella finding her niche

Having hit 60 points higher as a sophomore last spring, Marie Martorella forced Santa Clara to find more at-bats for her.

Platooning at catcher last year, Martorella also started 17 games as the Broncos designated hitter, where she led the team in sacrifice flies with four.

A Salinas High graduate, Martorella hit her first collegiate home run last year, driving in 11 runs, while scoring 13 — all career highs.

Producing three multiple-hit games, the right-handed Martorella also stole four of five base attempts. She has yet to commit an error behind the dish in two seasons for the Broncos.

Martorella helped Salinas to a league title in 2021, and a spot in the Central Coast Section Division III finals in 2022.

Coaches needed

Marina is looking for a varsity swim coach, and a JV boys volleyball coach. Go to jcisneros@mpusd.net

Seaside is looking for head coaches for varsity baseball, and boys and girls swimming. Contact athletic director Steven Vasquez at stvasquez.mpusd.k.12.ca.us

Alvarez is looking for coaches for flag football and girls’ tennis. Go to brian.vazquez@salinasuhsd.org

Salinas is looking for a head coach in field hockey. Go to https://salinashscowboysathletics.com

Monterey is looking for an assistant baseball coach. Contact cventimiglia@mpusd.net. Monterey is also looking for a head JV football coach. Email abesaw@mpusd.net

Gonzales is looking for a baseball coach. Contact mdaniels@gonzalesk12.ca.us

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials and umpires in the spring for boys’ volleyball, baseball, softball and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.