By Kelly Ingram (Nishimoto)
Signal Staff Writer
For the Melendez sisters of Stevenson Ranch, softball isn’t just a sport — it’s a family legacy that now stretches from Santa Clarita parks all the way to the international stage.
This summer, Nylah, Naima and Nia Melendez helped write a new chapter in Puerto Rican softball history at the 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup in Milan, Italy.
Nylah, an incoming sophomore at Hart High School, and her younger sister Naima, an incoming freshman, were instrumental in Puerto Rico’s run to the gold medal game. Their team defeated powerhouse Team USA 4-0 on July 4, marking Puerto Rico’s first-ever win over a U.S. national softball team in World Championship play.
“Team USA beat us for gold last year, so this was a goal,” said their father, Luis Melendez. “When we won, it went viral. Even Bad Bunny retweeted the score.”
The sisters’ connection to Puerto Rico runs deep. Their father was born on the island, and they grew up hearing stories of baseball legend Roberto Clemente. Today, all three wear his iconic number 21.
“It feels like carrying a piece of our family’s story with us,” Nylah said.
This wasn’t her first taste of international play. At just 12, Nylah competed in the 2023 Tokyo World Cup alongside older sister Nia, now an incoming junior. In Milan, Nylah took on even more responsibility as team captain and earned Most Outstanding Catcher and All-World Team honors.
Naima, making her debut on the international stage, also impressed with her defensive skills.
But competing globally wasn’t without its challenges. The girls had to adjust to shorter pitching distances (40 feet internationally versus 43 feet in the U.S.) and handle increased media attention. Nylah even represented Puerto Rico at a pre-tournament press conference with other captains.
At home, local coaches helped prepare them for success. Coach Trevor Brown of Newhall worked extensively with Nylah on catching and Naima on infield defense. “He’s been a huge part of their growth,” their father said. “We were thrilled when he became West Ranch’s head baseball coach.”
Balancing schoolwork and a demanding training schedule isn’t easy. “Their summers and school days don’t look like typical high school kids,” Luis admitted. “But their passion for the game has carried them a long way.”
One of their favorite memories came after the July 4 upset: “The bus ride back to the hotel was electric — music, dancing — and then Team Mexico and Singapore surprised them in the lobby to celebrate. That video now has over 100,000 likes online.”
All three Melendez sisters are nationally ranked: Nia (No. 8 in Class of 2027), Nylah (No. 4 in 2028, No. 1 catcher), and Naima (No. 20 in 2029). They dream of playing softball at academically strong colleges and one day representing Puerto Rico in the Olympics.
After attending Sierra Canyon School last year, they’ll return to Hart High this fall to compete in the Foothill League next spring — together for the first time in years.
“It feels like coming home,” Luis said. “We’re so proud to represent Santa Clarita and Puerto Rico.”
