Titan Memories: Monica Lucatero

5/7/2026 11:39:00 AM | By: Kirk San Roman

In her four-year career at first base with the Cal State Fullerton softball team (1999-2002), no one started more games for the Titans than Monica Lucatero, with 251, and made it count by being the all-time Fullerton leader with 163 runs batted in.

A native of Santa Ana, Calif., "Mo" began playing softball at the age of 5. Competing at Mater Dei High School and for the Orange County Batbusters travel ball club, Lucatero began attracting the attention of college coaches, eventually being recruited by several D1 universities, including Cal State Fullerton.

As Monica put it, "From the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. Fullerton had a rich softball tradition and a standard of excellence that I wanted to be a part of, aside from it being very close to home. I wanted to stay local because I have a huge family, and there was something special about CSUF that set them apart from all others: The culture, the Titan Family vibe, the competitiveness, and the belief that I could grow into the best version of myself with the leadership of Coach Garman and Coach Gromacki.

After one season with Titan Hall of Famer Judi Garman at the helm, Garman opted to retire at the end of the 1999 softball season. Michelle Gromacki, the assistant coach and former All-American catcher, was promoted to head coach.

Transitioning from one head coach to another can be difficult for some student-athletes, but not so for Monica: "It gave me a unique perspective, and it was a privilege. Because Coach Gromacki was already the assistant coach, the transition was almost seamless. Coach Garman still volunteered and hung around Titan softball, so it was awesome."

When asked about some memories and personal highlights from her career, Monica answered: "Being a four-year starter at Fullerton is something I'm incredibly proud of. I hold the program record for RBIs with 163 and rank second all-time in doubles with 48. I received multiple honors, including being an All-American, and earned All-Big West Player of the Week multiple times. It is an honor to have my name on the Wall of Fame on the Anderson Family Field press box and on the outfield fence collage of pictures.

"I had a key power-hitting role that I took pride in and worked consistently on my craft. It meant (a great deal) to contribute to winning back-to-back-to-back Big West Championships in my sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. Those numbers represent more than stats; they represent years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to something bigger than myself.

"Another highlight was when the OC Register ran a story on me for having the biggest family section at the games. I often had about 30 family members cheering me on at games. Those days seemed like just yesterday! None of it would have been possible without my amazing mom and my older brother, Johnny. Their constant support, love, time, and sacrifice are the reason I was able to live out my dream and earn a softball scholarship at the highest level. Playing the sport I love in front of my entire family was such a blessing from God."

Monica was equally effusive about her off-field memories: "It's the little moments that stay with you: the bus rides, the laughter in the locker room, the late-night talks with my roommates, and the bond we built as teammates. We were more than a team; we were family. Those relationships and memories are something I will carry with me forever.

Other highlights included "Going on a team bonding trip to Big Bear, where we had snowball fights and sledding fun, having the privilege to visit Hawaii for the first time, and learning to surf and also winning the tournament 7-0, having BBQ cookouts at different teammates' apartments, even though we didn't know the first thing about cooking meat! And going to Snoqualmie Falls Park and seeing a breathtaking waterfall. Softball allowed me to experience life outside of California with my closest friends in college, all while doing what we love."

Monica emphasized the importance of her faith in shaping her college experience by saying, "I had always had a foundation of faith in Christ, but during my sophomore year at Cal State Fullerton, my relationship with Him became much deeper and more personal. Attending University Praise Church for the first time was a turning point in my life. Being right across the street from campus, it became a place of encouragement, growth, and renewal for me. It was the highlight of my week and the source of strength and purpose that carried me through the demands of being a student-athlete."

Monica added, "Coach Judi Garman had a lasting impact on my life. She held us to a high standard and taught us what it meant to compete with purpose and integrity. I was also surrounded by teammates who pushed me daily and helped shape who I became. I still stay closely connected to Gina Oaks Garcia, the current head coach, and Michelle Gromacki. They constantly check in on my family and me. I know that I can call them at any time, and they would drop everything to come and help me or give me life advice."

Michelle Gromacki had this to say: "Monica was one of the best people and athletes I've ever coached. She had a smile that would light up the room every single day. She was a team player and a great leader. She was everything you could ever want in an athlete."

Coach Gromacki and then-Assistant Coach Ford, who later became Titan head coach for 12 seasons, instilled so many great values in my life; it wasn't just about softball. They pushed me to be disciplined, accountable, and mentally tough, especially when things weren't going well. They believed in me on days I doubted myself, and they held me to a high standard. They have truly shaped who I am today in all aspects of my life. They cared for me as a person first, not just their first baseman, and for that, I will be forever grateful."

Monica Lucatero Longcrier lives in Fullerton and is a teacher in the Anaheim Elementary School District, and is in her 20^th year of teaching. "Teaching our youth has become my passion, and in many ways, it's an extension of everything I learned as a student-athlete. I am truly blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of our youth and help shape who they will become in the future, just as my coaches did for me throughout my life.

"I've been married to my husband, Nathan Longcrier, for 23 years. Nathan is the Head Athletic Trainer in the Physical Rehabilitation Services Department at CSUF. We have two children, Jacob and Montana. My son, Jacob, is 20 and a college wrestler at Cal Poly Humboldt, and my daughter, Montana, is 18 and playing soccer at the University of Hawai?i at Manoa. Watching my kids pursue their own athletic journeys has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, and I am thankful they get to experience college life as a student-athlete because those were some of the best times of my young adult life. Seeing them compete at the next level brings everything full circle. I understand the sacrifices, the pressure, the joy—and most importantly, the life lessons that come with it. To now be on the sidelines as a parent, supporting them the way my family supported me, is something I cherish deeply.

Michelle Gromacki added this about the Longcrier children: "The apple sure doesn't fall far from the tree, as her two children are fine athletes as well."

I'll let Monica have the last words: "Cal State Fullerton was more than a place where I played softball; it was where I grew up into a young adult. It shaped my work ethic, my values, and the way I approach life. I will be forever be grateful for my college experience.

If there's one thing I hope my story represents, it's that the impact of being a student-athlete goes far beyond the field. It stays with you: In the classroom, in your family, and in the way you show up for others every single day."

Honors