The 2024-25 season will go down as one of the most dominant in Phoenix College softball history. The Bears not only posted an incredible 53-4 overall record and 39-3 in conference play, but also saw a record number of players honored with postseason awards in the ACCAC and NJCAA Region 1.
Coaching Staff:
Heinz Mueller, ACCAC Coach of the Year, just completed his 35th season leading the Phoenix College Softball Program. A pillar of consistency and excellence, Mueller has built one of the most respected junior college softball programs in the nation. Under his leadership, the 2024-25 Bears finished with a remarkable 53-4 record, capturing both conference dominance and postseason accolades.
ACCAC First Team Battery:
Two of the conference's best pitchers this season were found in Phoenix blue and gold. Yasmine Bernal (26-3, 2.24 ERA, 190 Ks) and Madison Peter (22-0, 2.90 ERA, 117 Ks) anchored a staff that held opponents to a mere .226 average and a 2.63 team ERA. Bernal's dominant season earned her a share of ACCAC Pitcher of the Year, voted unanimously alongside Pima's Amber Flores.
Behind the plate, Katie Hofmann was a rock for the Bears. Starting 55 of 56 games, Hofmann hit a blistering .497 with 21 home runs and 95 RBIs, and fielded .995 with only one error on the season — elite numbers for an elite backstop.
First Team Infielders:
J'Kaia Graves was named ACCAC Player of the Year in unanimous fashion — and deservedly so. She led the Bears with a .527 average, 80 runs scored, and 99 hits, contributing 41 RBIs and 70 stolen bases while maintaining strong infield defense. Joining her on the First Team was Harli Noriega, who slugged 21 home runs and hit .494, driving in 67 RBIs and adding 17 doubles.
First Team Outfielder:
Olivia Deford made her mark in the outfield and at the plate, batting .456 and scoring 47 runs while swiping 30 bases. Her consistent presence helped round out a dynamic Phoenix offense.
Second Team Infielders:
Kyla Kim and Hannah Hill brought versatility and power to the infield. Kim hit .421 with 37 stolen bases, while Hill slugged 10 home runs and led the team with 22 doubles and 58 RBIs, all while boasting a .955 fielding percentage.
Second Team Outfielder:
Bridgett Moen added spark to the lineup with a .438 average and 17 stolen bases, proving to be a dependable option in the outfield and at the plate.
Honorable Mentions:
Kassidy Juarez, another strong option behind the plate, hit .379 with 27 RBIs and fielded at a stellar .988 clip. Mackenzie Phillips, a utility standout, posted a .373 average, 15 home runs, and 50 RBIs, showing off her value in multiple roles throughout the season.
