California State University of San Bernardino Athletics

Anne Cordaro figured out at a young age that getting what you want out of life takes commitment and work. Add talent to the mix and that is why she is being honored as a member of the Coyote Hall of Fame Class of 2015.
 
The Riverside native starred as a member of the softball program (1987-90), earning All-American honors on the field her sophomore and senior seasons with three All-West Region honors. She was a four-year captain and three-time team MVP.
 
Off the field, she became the first Coyote in school history to earn All-American honors in her sport and in the classroom with a first-team Academic All-America her senior season.
 
Twenty-five years later, she remains the school’s all-time leader in career batting average (.477) and stolen bases (73). She surpassed .500 in batting in two seasons and remains CSUSB’s all-time leader RBI (game – 6), steals (game – 4, season – 32, career – 73); batting average (season –.533; Career –.477). She also ranks No. 8 in career RBI – 39; No. 7 in runs scored – 39; No. 3 in triples – 5; and No. 3 in single-season slugging percentage (.740).
 
“At the time, I needed to work and support myself if I wanted to go to college,’’ said Cordaro, who serves as a physical education teacher, PE department chair and school leadership team member at Rialto Carter HS. “Playing softball and attending CSUSB was meant to be. It was an exciting time in my life.’’
 
Cordaro spent 17 seasons coaching high school volleyball and has dedicated her entire professional career educating and coaching young people; a life she wouldn’t trade for anything.
 
“Being able to teach and coach is just who I am,’’ she said. “Imparting lessons of never giving up was what I learned when I was in high school. When you work with young people, and in particular, young women, it’s so important they understand they can achieve. And if there’s a lack of confidence in them, getting them to believe in themselves is vital.
 
“My coaches were the ones who instilled in me that anything was possible,’’ she said. “You don’t quit and keep going and get what you. Athletics made my life complete and motivated.’’
 
Anne earned degrees in physical education and psychology at CSUSB, graduating in 1990. She and her husband Michael are the parents of one son (Christopher) and daughter (Katherine) and make their home in Highland.