Yanez took advantage of a new transfer rule for Division I student-athletes. As of this past October, student-athletes were no longer required to seek permission from their current institutions to initiate talks with other programs.
In 2018 Melyssa Lombardi took over as head coach for the Ducks and watched as the transfer portal drained her bench. Yanez will join Oregon hurler Jordan Nail, who finished this season 18-18 with a 4.12 ERA.
The new transfer database allows student-athletes to merely add their name to the list to be eligible to talk with other schools.
According to Softball America, as of May 1, 250 DI student-athletes had put their names in the transfer portal. Yanez is the lone Aggie. There are two Sacramento State players, Alexxiss Dias and Suzy Brookshire. According to the list, Brookshire will transfer to San Jose State.
In what he called the “hardest post ever,” owner Charlie Swanson made a public Facebook announcement on June 7. “The Grad’s guaranteed last day (in our current location) will be June 30th. Thanks to all … of the amazing people that made a simple bar and grill special.” He acknowledged loyal customers who became lifelong friends and connections, and hard-working employees who endured low pay while serving the community and having some fun.
“Since 1972, we have done our best to be a reflection of our community,” he wrote. “Well, I can’t really write much more except thanks to all who have supported us so much. … I am not sure what the future will bring but we gave it a hell of a run.”
The Davis Graduate is at 805 Russell Blvd. in University Mall. The sprawling sports bar, restaurant and dance venue fills 7,500 square feet, which is vast by today’s standards. The restaurant and sports bar includes a game area. Once part of a franchise that had locations in Chico, Sacramento and Stockton, the Davis store is independently owned. Chico and Sacramento Grads are long gone; Stockton’s remains open.
Swanson did not return my messages when I sought to clarify possible future plans. A staff member told me Swanson didn’t want to talk about anything, and was headed out of town for a family member’s graduation. He has not sold the liquor license, however.

