Phoenix College Athletics alumni-centric series featuring many of our previous athletes in which they update friends, family and fellow alums. Participating alumni discuss what it meant to be a part of their respective program, where they are now and how PC impacted their growth
Featured Alumni: Alfredo Villa '18, former Phoenix College baseball player (2016-18) and current professional baseball player (Bullpen pitcher/starting pitcher) with the, Missoula Paddleheads
What position?
- Bullpen Pitcher/ Starting Pitcher
What are some accolades you achieved during your time at PC?
- In 2017 I was part of the team that went to the World Series
What do you miss most about your time at PC?
- I miss the work ethic amongst the team
How has being a student athlete impacted you?
- It has impacted me in a very positive way, I feel I look at life differently because I had to multi task in order to play baseball and go to school so my time management is a lot better now
What is the impact that Coach Kimball had on you?
- Coach Kimball doesn't know it but the way he coached is something I hold onto and live by with the teams that I have been on after and currently
- my experience at PC taught me that a lot can be done with minimal sleep and dedication. In order to play at PC, I was actually working an overnight job both years at PC
- at Adams state I recieved a gold glove, 2nd team all conference, 1st team all conference and 2nd team all region
Fondest memory from playing at PC?
- The entire Enid, Oklahoma experience
Any advice to young baseball players wanting to continue on to the next level?
- it is important to understand this is still the game we all played when we were 9 years old, I think sometimes we get lost in the idea of trying to be perfect in a game of failure. Give yourself a break and make this game as fun as possible for as long as possible.
You are currently a professional baseball player, please touch on what it takes and your experience so far?
- my experience so far as a professional athlete has been amazing. I have won the championship in the pioneer league my rookie season and proceeded to win pitcher of the year the following year. I have taken steps to better myself athletically like I never have before and I think that has been the difference for me and my career.
How many years have you played professionally? Other Teams?
- I have played a total of 2 seasons professionally. one with Grand Junction Rockies (currently rebranded to Grand Junction Jackalopes). The other was with Missoula Paddleheads. I have resigned and will be returning to Missoula for the upcoming season (2024)
- With the Missoula paddleheads I actually broke league history by receiving the first triple crown in 23 years
Hobbies outside of baseball
- Anything the is revolved around personal growth, I also am a pitching coach at the college level (D2)
Anything else you would like to add
- The only reason I went to PC was to play baseball, I had zero interest in furthering my education. Surprisingly I went on to a 4 year and found that education is very important. I proceeded to graduate college with 2 Bachelors (one in mass communication and the other in public relation) 1 minor in marketing and 1 Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership
Alumni interested in participating can reach out to Jada Willingham at jada.willingham@phoenixcollege.edu. Follow us on Twitter (PC_Bears) and Instagram (@phoenix_college_athletics)
