How Nash Transformed Maricopa into Arizona’s Softball Powerhouse

Softball enthusiasts from Maricopa and surrounding areas flock to Copper Sky and Pacana Park, partaking in their cherished pastime. The growth of this local softball scene is attributed significantly to Buffy Nash, whose legacy continues to influence the community more than three years after her passing.

Nash’s passion for softball was unparalleled, but her love for connecting with people was even stronger. In 2019, she and partner Gee Savaiinaea launched events under the Arizona Softball Tournaments banner. Today, Savaiinaea, along with David Papp—who joined the efforts in 2020—carries on this legacy through G Sports AZ.

Papp has been a longtime player, originally hailing from San Diego and relocating to Desert Cedars in 2014. He quickly became acquainted with Nash, even though she and her husband Robert had moved to Maricopa only that year following Robert’s Army retirement. “Everyone already knew Buffy,” he recalled, emphasizing her love for the game and her role in organizing tournaments.

Savaiinaea recalls her first encounter with Nash on a softball field in Chandler two years later. “I was running a free agent team when an umpire asked if I needed an additional player,” she said. This meeting sparked a close friendship and eventual business partnership. “Buffy was family-oriented and introduced me to her parents. She taught me a lot about the Native American community,” Savaiinaea remarked.

Despite their camaraderie, competitiveness was always present. “Once, we were playing against each other. My team was strong, and after the game, I praised the match. She replied, ‘Yeah, good game, but we kicked your ass,’” Savaiinaea laughed.

Buffy and Robert Nash’s journey began on the Fort Apache Indian reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona. Their 37-year marriage was intertwined with Robert’s military career, which included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Buffy’s main passion was volleyball, but she turned to softball when leagues were scarce,” Robert explained. Her influence extended beyond the sport, as she engaged the community through events held at their home.

Buffy coached her daughters in both volleyball and softball. While stationed at Fort Bliss, her team competed in a world tournament in Florida—an experience she aimed to replicate. Papp noted that, thanks to her groundwork, Maricopa sent five teams to a major fundraising tournament in San Diego last year, with plans to do so again. “That’s something Buffy would have treasured,” he affirmed.

In late 2021, Buffy faced health complications after years of battling hypoxemia. Despite her resilience, she passed away at age 51 after a brief illness, leaving behind a profound impact.

Buffy’s vision came to fruition around 2019 with the inception of the Arizona Softball Tournaments. “The vibrant softball community in Maricopa and our excellent facilities prompted us to host tournaments,” Savaiinaea stated. Events organized by G Sports AZ often involve sandlot play, allowing different players to form new teams. “This format helps players without regular teams play, and it encourages improvement through interaction with skilled players,” Papp specified.

An annual Buffy Nash Memorial Tournament honors her legacy at Pacana Park, helping to keep her memory alive within the growing sports community. “We share her story with newer players as much as possible,” Papp noted.

Savaiinaea highlighted Buffy’s lasting impact on the community, stating, “Her connections with the Native American community played a crucial role in our growth. She was invaluable in bringing teams from various areas to compete here, many of whom played exclusively within their reservations.” Buffy was indeed a unifying force, fostering camaraderie and joy through softball, earning her a special place in the hearts of many.