Gena Strang-Behrens, a Hanford native, was recruited to California State University, Fresno’s softball team after graduating from high school in 1985.

The first baseman majored in criminology while attending school on a softball scholarship.

“There were a lot of games that were really special and a lot of good things that we did, but I think the last game probably was the most memorable because we lost it,” she said. “We were second in the nation but we lost the final game and came second instead of first.”

She continued to play softball for10 years after graduating with her degree in criminology, but has since traded in her bat and glove for a tee and golf clubs.

Behrens met her husband John Behrens, a former Fresno State football player and similar sports enthusiast, at a golf course four years ago. Their relationship blossomed over a common love for sports and all things competitive.

Behrens said competitive nature still ensues in both of them and they often compete against one another. She admitted he usually beats her but said she puts up a good fight.

Behrens said her time at Fresno State provided her with skills she incorporates daily in her current position as director of service excellence at Saint Agnes Medical Center.

“I’m in a position now where I do a lot of coaching and training and you can’t do it unless you really know how to work as a team,” she said. “When you’ve been on a team, it really allows you to work with all different kinds of people.”