SAN PEDRO, Calif. — Pepperdine Athletics Assistant Director of Compliance Marina Vitalich-Cymbor was inducted into the Los Angeles Sportswalk Hall of Fame for her standout career on the softball diamond as one of the top pitchers this past decade from the Los Angeles area.
 
"Being inducted into the LA Sportswalk of Fame is truly special and I am humbled to receive such an honor," said Cymbor. "It means so much to me, not just for the recognition but what it represents - the countless hours of work over the years and the culmination of so many other people's efforts from former teammates, coaches, family and friends. I couldn't have had the career I had without their support. Softball is a gift that keeps on giving and I'm so thankful for all of the opportunities I had the privilege of experiencing."
 
A native of San Pedro, Calif., Cymbor had a record-breaking high school career while leading Mary Star of the Sea High School to its first-ever CIF Championship Finals in 2013. She earned MaxPreps All-American honors along with being a three-time All-CIF honoree and four-time Camino Real League First Team selection.
 
Cymbor went on to play her college softball at George Mason University, becoming the first Atlantic 10 Co-Pitcher of the Year in program history while earning Atlantic 10 All-Conference honors on three occasions. Her 551 strikeouts continue to stand as the most in program history for the Patriots.
 
Cymbor then went to law school at Loyola Marymount, using her final year of eligibility as a graduate student to help the Lions win their first-ever WCC Championship. As the ace of the staff, she led the WCC in both wins and strikeouts while being recognized as an All-WCC First Team selection.

"Marina and her family were amazing to have in our program," said LMU head coach Tairia Flowers. "This is such a well-deserved recognition. Marina was the ultimate competitor. She never played up or down to her competition, and because she always gave her best, she will always be remembered as one of the best! Her consistent effort, attitude and execution, made her an amazing leader on and off the field. I'm always thankful that she was on my team."
 
Her mark was made on the international stage as well, competing for the Croatian National Team throughout her collegiate career until 2024. Along with her sister Amanda, Cymbor pitched in the European Championships in Spain, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and Czech Republic.
 
Cymbor joined Pepperdine Athletics in 2022 as Assistant Director of Compliance. In her role, she oversees NCAA rules education, monitoring, and support for multiple teams and serves as a liaison between student-athletes and institutional staff.
 
Cymbor was one of six inductees into this year's LA Sportswalk Hall of Fame class, who were honored and inducted on October 13th at the Battleship Iowa Museum.
 
The LA Sportswalk of Fame was founded in 1978 in San Pedro to honor athletes, coaches, and sports figures who have made a lasting impact locally and nationally. What began as a community initiative led by Councilman John S. Gibson has grown into a celebrated tradition recognizing excellence across all levels of competition. Today, the Sportswalk continues to preserve Los Angeles' rich athletic heritage while supporting youth development and education through scholarships and community programs.
 
ABOUT PEPPERDINE ATHLETICS
Pepperdine University boasts one of the most successful athletic programs in the country for a school of its size. The Waves have claimed 10 NCAA Division I team championships and 26 team or individual national championships in their history. Located in scenic Malibu, California, the university overlooks a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
 
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