Lisa Maria Fernandez (born February 22, 1971, in Long Beach, California) is a distinguished figure in the world of softball, celebrated for her dual prowess as a pitcher and third baseman.
An American of Cuban-Puerto Rican descent, Fernandez has left an indelible mark on the sport, both as a player and coach.
Here you can follow Lisa Fernandez’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, husband, career overview, and more.
About Lisa Fernandez
Born on February 22, 1971, in Long Beach, California, Lisa Fernandez grew up in a household where softball was a cherished activity. She was a pitcher and third baseman for the UCLA softball team in college, and she has won three Olympic medals for Team USA.
Fernandez’s journey in softball began in Lakewood, CA, where she first showcased her talent and determination. Her parents, Antonio and Emilia Fernandez, both played softball, providing Lisa with a nurturing environment that fostered her love for the game.
Early Life
Lisa Fernandez’s softball career took off at St. Joseph High School in Lakewood, California, where she established herself as one of the best pitchers in the state.
At St. Joseph High School, Fernandez joined the girls’ softball team, where she and her colleagues won the CIF Championship.
Her high school years were marked by remarkable achievements, including 1,503 strikeouts and 70 shut-out games, leading her team to over 80 victories.
Professional Career
Lisa Fernandez’s journey began at UCLA, where she played collegiate softball from 1990 to 1993, earning four consecutive first-team All-American selections and leading the Bruins to two NCAA National Championships in 1990 and 1992.
Fernandez’s impact extended to the international stage, where she joined the U.S. Women’s Olympic Softball Team and contributed to their gold medal victories in 1996, 2000, and 2004.
Her Olympic performances were nothing short of legendary, setting records such as a .545 batting average during the 2004 Athens Olympics—the highest ever recorded in Olympic play—and striking out 25 batters in a single game at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
After her playing career, Fernandez transitioned to coaching, bringing her expertise to the UCLA Bruins as an associate head coach. Her coaching career has been distinguished by her ability to develop top-tier talent, contributing to the Bruins’ continued success in NCAA softball.
Lisa Fernandez’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Lisa Fernandez’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million. Her earnings come from her salary as a coach, former professional softball player, endorsements, and other sources.
Salary
Lisa Fernandez, renowned for her illustrious career in softball, earns an annual salary of approximately $50,000.
This income is primarily attributed to her role as a coach for the UCLA Bruins softball team following her retirement from professional play.
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Endorsements
Lisa Fernandez has been associated with various brands and products throughout her career, leveraging her status as a top athlete to endorse sports equipment, apparel, and other related products.
Fernandez has been associated with endorsements from Reebok, Baush & Lomb, and Louisville Slugger.
In addition to her equipment endorsements, Fernandez has also been linked with Nike, Mizuno, and Easton Sports.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Lisa M. Fernandez |
| Nickname | Lisa |
| Birth Date | February 22, 1971 |
| Height | 5’6″ (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 77 kg |
| Birthplace | Long Beach, California (USA) |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Net Worth | $1 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Michael Lujan |
| Instagram Profile | @lf16ucla |
Husband
Michael Lujan, the husband of Lisa Fernandez. Married since 2002, Lujan has been a devoted partner to Fernandez, supporting her through her endeavors in softball and beyond.
They have two sons, Antonio and Cruz, marking over two decades of their life together.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 3 |
| NCAA Titles | 2 |
| Career Strikeouts (High School) | 1,503 |
FAQs
Who is Lisa Fernandez?
Lisa Fernandez is a former American softball player and associate head coach at UCLA. She’s considered one of the greatest softball players of all time, known for her pitcher and hitter skills.
What are Lisa Fernandez’s biggest achievements in softball?
Lisa won three Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004), four World Championship gold medals, and three Pan American Games gold medals. She also led UCLA to two NCAA championships and was a four-time All-American.
What records did Lisa Fernandez set during her career?
Lisa set several records, including the Olympic record for most strikeouts in a single game (25) and the highest batting average in an Olympic tournament (.545). She also holds UCLA records for career shutouts, WHIP, and winning percentage.
Where did Lisa Fernandez play college softball?
Lisa played softball at UCLA from 1990 to 1993. She was a standout player there, leading the team to two national championships and two runner-up finishes.
What awards did Lisa Fernandez win in college?
Lisa won the Honda Award three times for the nation’s best softball player. In 1993, she became the first softball player to win the Honda-Broderick Cup, given to the outstanding collegiate female athlete in all sports.
How did Lisa Fernandez perform in the Olympics?
Lisa was a key player in Team USA’s three Olympic gold medal wins (1996, 2000, 2004). She pitched in all three gold medal games and set records for pitching and hitting in Olympic softball.
What was Lisa Fernandez’s playing style like?
Lisa was known for her versatility. As a pitcher, she had a powerful fastball and great control. She was also an excellent hitter, often leading her teams in batting average. Her competitive spirit and work ethic were widely praised.
What is Lisa Fernandez doing now?
Lisa is currently the associate head softball coach at UCLA, her alma mater. She’s been coaching there since 2007 and has helped develop new generations of softball players.
Has Lisa Fernandez received any Hall of Fame honors?
Yes, Lisa has been inducted into several Halls of Fame. She was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame in 2012 and the National Softball Hall of Fame in 2013.
What’s an interesting fact about Lisa Fernandez’s background?
Lisa comes from a baseball family. Her father played semi-pro baseball in Cuba before immigrating to the US, and her mother played softball. Lisa started playing softball at age 8 and was encouraged by her family to pursue the sport.
