Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) concluded its 2024-2025 athletics year with significant achievements, including championship victories and national tournament appearances. The college’s teams excelled in sports such as cross country, tennis, golf, track, and baseball.
Christina Hundley, PVCC’s Athletics Director, praised the student-athletes: “Our student-athletes have competed in the classroom and on the field this year. Their dedication, along with the guidance of our outstanding coaches, is what makes Puma Athletics such a vital and vibrant part of our college.”
In the fall season, PVCC’s cross country teams performed notably. Jackson Bland led the men’s team by winning the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Individual National Championship. He also received several accolades including NJCAA Division II Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year and USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year. The men’s team won both ACCAC and Region I Division II Team Championships.
The women’s cross country team achieved their best performance in two decades by finishing second at the NJCAA Division II National Championship. Keira Damron placed fourth individually and was named ACCAC and Region I Individual Champion.
During spring, PVCC’s men’s tennis team won both ACCAC and NJCAA Region I titles. Daniil Zhukouski was recognized as ACCAC and Region I Player of the Year while Coach Jim Paajanen earned Coach of the Year honors.
On track events, Ava Wilson and Greyson Farthing were crowned Region 1 Champions at the NJCAA Region I meet. A total of 17 athletes from PVCC qualified for the NJCAA DII Outdoor National Championship.
In women’s golf, Donnietta Diaz and Maritza Bautista participated in the NJCAA Division II National Championship after strong performances at regional tournaments.
The baseball team reached the ACCAC/Region I Division II Tournament as a No. 3 seed with six players receiving All-Conference/Region 1 awards. Assistant Coach Jim Murphy was honored as Assistant Coach of the Year.
PVCC’s athletics program supports students across 12 sports programs within Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), focusing on academic success alongside athletic achievement.
For more information about PVCC’s athletics programs, visit gopumas.com.
