Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) wrapped up a spectacular 2024-2025 athletics year marked by championship victories, national tournament appearances, and exceptional individual achievements. From dominant fall performances in cross country to spring success across tennis, golf, track, and baseball, the Pumas made their mark both regionally and nationally.
“Our student-athletes have competed in the classroom and on the field this year,” said PVCC’s Athletics Director Christina Hundley. “Their dedication, along with the guidance of our outstanding coaches, is what makes Puma Athletics such a vital and vibrant part of our college.”
The fall season set the tone for PVCC’s year with a dominating cross country showing. On the men’s side, Jackson Bland led the way, capturing the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Individual National Championship, while the team placed fourth overall nationally. Bland’s accolades included being named NJCAA Division II Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Year, USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year, and a two-time NJCAA Athlete of the Week.
The men’s team also clinched the ACCAC and Region I Division II Team Championships, with three runners earning All-American honors for top-25 finishes.
The women’s cross country team had its best showing in two decades, finishing second at the NJCAA Division II National Championship — their highest finish since 2004. Keira Damron placed fourth individually, and was crowned ACCAC and Region I Individual Champion, while the team claimed the ACCAC Division II Team Championship and was Region I Runner-Up, with four athletes earning All-American honors.
In the spring, PVCC Athletics continued to thrive across multiple sports. The men’s tennis team was a powerhouse, sweeping both the ACCAC and NJCAA Region I titles. Daniil Zhukouski was named ACCAC and Region I Player of the Year, while Head Coach Jim Paajanen earned Coach of the Year honors. The team competed in the NJCAA Division I National Championships in Florence, South Carolina.
On the track, two PVCC student-athletes were crowned Region 1 Champions at the NJCAA Region I meet — Ava Wilson in the women’s 100m and Greyson Farthing in the men’s javelin. In total, 17 PVCC student-athletes qualified for the NJCAA DII Outdoor National Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas, a testament to the program’s depth and training.
At the national meet, three PVCC student-athletes earned NJCAA All-American honors by placing in the top eight in their events:
- Mackenzie Anderson placed 7th in the Women’s Pole Vault
- Jaeleigha Abalos secured 5th in the Women’s Javelin
- Julian Campos took 6th in the Men’s Javelin
In women’s golf, Donnietta Diaz and Maritza Bautista earned spots in the NJCAA Division II National Championship in Boone, IA. Diaz secured her bid by finishing fifth at the Region I tournament, while Bautista claimed a bid after placing sixth.
And lastly, the PVCC baseball team capped their season with a trip to the ACCAC/Region I Division II Tournament as the No. 3 seed. Despite falling in two games, the season was marked by standout performances. Six student-athletes received All-Conference/Region 1 awards, and Assistant Coach Jim Murphy was honored as Assistant Coach of the Year, highlighting the program’s ongoing excellence.
At PVCC, athletics plays a vital role in student development, leadership, and community building. The college’s athletics program, a member of the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), supports student-athletes competing in 12 programs (baseball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field). With a focus on academic success, athletic achievement, and personal growth, the program embodies the college’s commitment to holistic education.
To learn more about PVCC’s athletics programs, visit the PVCC Athletics website, gopumas.com.