A Love Story Beyond the Diamond: How Joe and Camai’s Journey Began
The Savannah Bananas are known for more than their brand of high-energy baseball and entertainment. Behind the scenes, the team is also built on stories of perseverance, connection, and family values. Among the most heartwarming of these stories is the journey of head coach Joe Mazzulla and his wife, Camai Roberson Mazzulla—a partnership that began long before the bright lights of Banana Ball.
Their story traces back to Glenville State University in 2011, a small campus in West Virginia where both were pursuing their passions in athletics. Joe, who would later rise to prominence as a respected coach, was then an assistant basketball coach, deeply immersed in the X’s and O’s of developing players. Camai, equally dedicated to her craft, served as the head coach of the women’s volleyball team. Both were driven, competitive, and consumed by the rhythms of college athletics—long practices, bus rides, and the constant push for improvement.
The turning point came at a simple breakfast. Camai, known for her leadership and initiative, had organized a morning meal for the athletic department staff. Her goal was to create a moment of connection among colleagues who often worked tirelessly in their respective sports. However, on the day of the event, attendance didn’t turn out the way she had hoped. Only one other coach showed up—Joe Mazzulla.
What could have been a disappointing morning for Camai became the moment that altered both of their lives. With just the two of them seated at the table, conversation began to flow. They spoke about their teams, their philosophies on coaching, and the challenges of shaping young athletes. But beyond the X’s and O’s, they discovered shared values: dedication to their craft, belief in building character, and an unshakable work ethic.
At first, their relationship grew as a friendship. Both were cautious, focusing on their careers and responsibilities. But as the weeks passed, the friendship deepened. They found themselves seeking each other’s company—grabbing coffee before practices, discussing game strategies, or simply unwinding after long days. What began as professional respect turned into admiration, and admiration soon gave way to something much deeper.
For Joe, Camai’s resilience and leadership stood out. She carried herself with confidence, commanding respect in the gym while nurturing her players’ growth beyond the court. For Camai, Joe’s quiet intensity and focus were magnetic. He had a way of listening deeply, balancing his competitive fire with genuine care for the people around him.
Their connection was not built on grand gestures but on everyday moments—the kind of bond that grows stronger over time. They cheered each other on through the highs and lows of seasons, celebrated victories, and provided comfort in defeats. It was a relationship rooted in mutual respect, shared goals, and the simple joy of having a true partner in life.
Years later, as Joe transitioned into the world of professional sports and eventually took the reins with the Savannah Bananas, Camai remained his anchor. Her background as a coach gave her unique insight into the pressures he faced, and her unwavering support became the steady foundation on which he could lean. Together, they embodied the very spirit of the Bananas: community, resilience, and a love that transcends the game itself.
Their story is also a reminder that the most meaningful connections often arise from the most unexpected moments. A breakfast intended to foster department camaraderie became the spark for a lifelong partnership. In the same way that the Savannah Bananas thrive on surprising and delighting fans with moments of joy, Joe and Camai’s journey shows how life has a way of delivering magic when least expected.
Today, when fans see Joe guiding the Bananas with energy and vision, they’re not just witnessing a coach at work. They’re seeing a man whose personal and professional life is strengthened by the partnership he built years ago with Camai. The love that grew out of a quiet breakfast table continues to fuel his leadership, shaping the culture of a team that has become a national sensation.
The Savannah Bananas are more than a baseball team—they are a family. And within that family, the story of Joe and Camai Mazzulla stands as proof that love, like baseball, thrives on timing, trust, and a willingness to take a chance. What began with two coaches and an empty breakfast hall has blossomed into a journey that inspires both on and off the field.