From Sylmar to the Sunflower State: Jazmine Esparza’s enters second year at the Helm of Colby Softball
February 16, 2026
Jazmine Esparza didn’t take the traditional road to Kansas. Raised in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Sylmar, California, her journey to becoming the head coach of Colby Community College softball has been anything but ordinary. After one whirlwind year leading the Trojans, it’s clear that Esparza has brought more than just softball acumen to Northwest Kansas—she’s brought heart, grit, and a vision for the future.
Esparza just completed her first season as a collegiate head coach, taking over for longtime coach Steve Kinnett after his retirement. She led the Trojans to a 31-27 record, including a 11-21 mark in the always-competitive Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). But regardless of records, the season’s true victories were found in the culture shift and academic performance of her squad.
“It was a roller coaster,” Esparza said in an interview. “We started the season without a consistent assistant coach, but ended with someone I consider both a teammate and a best friend in Coach Bailey Honne. Navigating all that as a first-year head coach taught me a lot, but I’m proud of how the team responded.”
And respond they did. The Trojans broke school records for home runs and doubles while earning the top team GPA in the Colby athletic department—an impressive 3.81. Seventeen of the 25 players posted perfect 4.0 GPAs.
Esparza’s love for the game was born on baseball diamonds, not softball fields. Coached by her father until age 13, she resisted switching sports until family friend and future mentor Sandra Durazo—whose number is retired at San Diego State—encouraged her to give softball a chance. That shift came with more than just a new sport; it came with a new extended family, including her “softball dad,”Jorge Colon, who nurtured her development in high-level travel ball.
By age 14, Esparza was playing 18U ball. At 15, she committed to the University of Central Florida, where she starred from 2016–2021. She hit .349 her senior season and earned All-AAC First Team and NFCA Mideast All-Region honors.
Following college, she coached at College of the Canyons before earning her master’s degree while serving as an assistant at Kansas Wesleyan. When the Colby job opened in 2024, it was an easy decision.
“I believe in the potential of this program,” Esparza said. “I want to build something meaningful here—not just a winning team, but a family.”
As she gears up for year two, Esparza is confident the foundation is laid. With 14 returning sophomores and a full recruiting class that she personally scouted, she’s excited for what lies ahead.
“These girls have bought in. They understand the culture, the expectations, and the love I have for the game and for them,” she said.
She invites the community to reach out to the team if they are able to assist with anything, not they don’t want to just be a team but partners in the community.
“We want to be present in Colby—helping out however we can. If any organization needs volunteers or help with events, reach out,” she said. “This team is about more than softball. We’re about people, connection, and growth.”
For community inquiries or to contact Coach Esparza, email her at jazmine.esparza@colbycc.edu
As the new era of Trojan softball begins to take shape, one thing is certain—Coach Esparza is here to build something lasting. And Colby is lucky to have her.