Softball phenom verbally commits to University of Oregon
Few incoming freshmen enter high school with the athletic credentials of local sports standout Tehya Bird, a three-sport athlete set to make an immediate impact for Cloverdale High school volleyball, basketball and softball programs beginning this fall.
The 14-year-old phenom took a short break in her whirlwind summer tour following another softball tournament for the Universal Fastpitch Under-14 team last weekend, an elite traveling squad based in Martinez.
Bird, who pitches and plays shortstop for the Universal squad, has traveled the state this summer playing in high level ‘A Ball’ tournaments, along with several high profile showcase tourneys that attract college coaches from all over the country.
One such showcase tournament came last month in Hemet, an event attended by an estimated 200 college coaches looking to recruit new talent. Bird caught the attention of University of Oregon coach Mike White, who consulted with Universal Fastpitch coach Martin Garcia before calling Bird personally to inquire about her college intentions.
The talented Bird, ironically a Duck’s fan since attending a softball camp run by White and assistant coach Chelsea Spencer at the age of nine, did not hesitate – verbally committing to become an Oregon Duck following high school graduation in 2021.
“I’m so excited for the chance to play for Oregon,” Bird said. “When I attended the Oregon camp I loved how the coaches treated us, and I’ve wanted to go to college there ever since.”
In the genes
Tehya Bird’s athletic ability comes naturally. Her mother Nikki Bird (formally Giannecchini) was an MVP pitcher at Ukiah High School in 1997 before going on to play for Mendocino Junior College. Father Damien Bird also enjoyed an MVP and All-Conference career at Mendocino in 1997-98, and was named to the Mendocino Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
The athletic family roots go even deeper. Grandmother Patti Bird was an All-State softball player and among the top hitters in California at Santa Rosa Junior College in 1980-81. She was inducted into the SRJC Hall of Fame in 2009. Grandfather Steve Giannecchini was an MVP baseball star at Ukiah in 1967 before going on to play for the University of San Francisco.
Bird’s summer has not been confined to tournament softball, occasionally dropping in on open gyms with other members of the Eagle’s volleyball team. She’s also had the opportunity to play some hoops and a few softball games with her future CHS teammates.
“I’ve loved meeting some of the coaches and playing with the girls from the high school this summer,” Bird noted. “I’m looking forward to playing different sports and just want to help our teams win.”
