Danner transfers to Pacifica

Barry Faulkner

COSTA MESA - Joanna Danner, who threw four no-hitters, including a

perfect game, en route to earning Newport-Mesa District Player of the

Year laurels as a sophomore softball pitcher at Estancia High last year,

has transferred to Pacifica.

Cathy Danner, Joanna’s mother, said logistics require Joanna to stay with

her grandparents during the week. The grandparents reside within the

Pacifica attendance boundaries, making a daily commute to Estancia

problematic.

Under CIF Southern Section rules, Danner, will need to acquire approval

from section administrators to be eligible to play for the Mariners.

Cathy Danner said Joanna’s eligibility had not yet been resolved.

Danner threw all 157 innings for the Eagles last spring, helping them

earn their first CIF playoff bid since 1992. A two-time first-team

All-Pacific Coast League performer, Danner finished 15-6 with an 0.31

ERA. She struck out 209 and also hit .264 with one home run, 15 RBIs and

seven steals to help the Eagles finish third in the PCL.

“It’s a big loss,” Estancia softball coach Rich Boyce said. “We don’t

have another pitcher in the school who could match her.”

Pacifica is the three-time defending CIF Division III champion, but Cathy

Danner said softball was not the reason behind the transfer.

“We chewed on this decision all summer,” Cathy Danner said. “Our family

has been very dedicated to Estancia (daughter Stephanie, now at USC,

graduated last spring). We have a lot of blood, sweat and tears invested

in that school.”