The Ceres softball community received heartbreaking news earlier this month. Surrounded by family, Dima Ferrel passed away following a year-and-a-half battle with cancer on Jan. 6.
She was 66.
Ferrel will be remembered for making a difference in the community as a leader, mentor and coach.
“We are so heartbroken, today our BEAUTIFUL mom’s long battle with cancer has come to an end,” daughter Nikole Ferrel stated in a post on Facebook. “She was so SPECIAL to so many people and will be greatly missed. Thank you for all the prayers and support through her journey.”
Ferrel’s death elicited an outpouring of praise from friends and loved ones.
She was affiliated with the Ceres Youth Baseball & Softball Organization (CYBSO) since 1996.
Ferrel filled various positions, including president from 2021-23.
She coached Ceres Sizzle travel softball for 25 seasons.
“It’s sad,” said Mike Corsaut, former Ceres High/Sizzle coach. “My heart goes out to her whole family. She’ll be missed.”
“I’ve known Dima for 25 years,” he added. “She’s done so much for girls softball in this area. She had a huge impact. She was an amazing woman. She was outgoing. She was caring. She was such a giving person. She would do anything for the girls.”
Amaia Ferrel, Dima’s granddaughter, played softball under Corsaut’s guidance at Ceres High the past two seasons.
“Dima was always at the games."
“She helped me get the Ceres Tournament started up again four years ago. She was always supportive in the way she gave back to the community.”
Jessica Lopez decided to join the Ceres Youth Baseball & Softball Organization board because of her former Sizzle coach.
“There’s been a lot of reflection since her passing,” said Lopez, vice president of softball. “I have moments when I still cry. I’m glad we hosted the Big Bang Tournament. Her team (Sizzle 16U) played in it. She came out and gave me the biggest hug. The reason why I’m on the board is because Dima asked me. She was the first one to reach out and say I’d do amazing things.”
“Dima was one of the first ones to bring softball to life in Ceres,” she added. “She had so much passion for the game and community. People respected her.”
Lopez, 40, has fond memories from her playing days with the Sizzle.
Ferrel was her coach when she was 15 and 16 years old.
“There was structure,” said Lopez. “There was laughter. Dima always made sure we had fun. One year we went to Hawaii to play. It was amazing. I’ll remember the experience forever.”
Former Sizzle players Shania Cisneros, Lexi Alderete, Adryana Soto and Mahlena O’Neal shared their thought s about Ferrel on social media.
“Dima had a way of pushing you like no other to want you to be the greatest you could be but show you unconditional love at the same time,” Alderete said. “One of the most kind hearted, caring, loving people I have had the honor to come across in my life, & I am so thankful for the countless memories we have shared that I will forever cherish.”
“I’m so incredibly grateful for everything you have done for me,” Cisneros said. “From just being my campus supervisor to convincing me to try out for your Sizzle family. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself when I was unsure that playing softball was something I even wanted to do. You were always there pushing me to be the best because you knew I could be great. I have never been on a team that had such a family dynamic and I appreciate it to this day. I truly appreciate everything you have done for us Sizzle girls. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
“She was more than just a coach, she made everyone feel like family,” Soto said. “I’m humbled to have shared such profound memories that we have had. We cherish and love you Dima.”
“Dima was a pillar of the Ceres softball community,” O’Neal said. “She touched many young lives, including my own. She will be greatly missed.”
