The end of the spring baseball season at SFCC might mark the close of games for now, but the passion and lessons learned on the field continue to grow within each player, shaping the paths they’ll forge in life and work.
Head Baseball Coach, Ryan Webb, has been a coach for eight years and head coach for four years. The players give him credit and say he makes this possible.
“They are a talented group which helps out on the field,” said Webb. “They get along very well, they definitely embrace working hard because they all come here with the goal of advancing their career and moving onto a four year school. Most of them are hoping to play professionally someday.”
So far, the baseball team has won eight games in a row within the last two weeks. Their goal is to win two more in order to qualify for the east region championship.
“Resiliency is really important in baseball,” said Webb. “Toughness develops over time. Dealing with failure and learning to create more success after is something I think has prepared them.”
Reese Vassar, a sophmore playing the team’s shortstop position, shares his journey.
“We have really really amazing team comradery and chemistry,” Vassar said. “We do a lot of stuff together and continue to form our friendships along the years. The NWAC is one of the toughest places to play. It’s cold weather, wood bats, it is really difficult altogether. Our coach explains that if you can play well here, you can play well anywhere.”
The Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) is a sports league made up of community colleges from the Pacific Northwest that compete against each other in various athletic programs.
“I am going to continue my career down at Arizona Christian University,” said Vassar. “We have a lot of others going down to Mid-America Christian University which is in Oklahoma. We’re kinda all over the place after this and spreading out.”
Chase Edwards, a new player this season, who holds the position of corner outfield.
“When I was looking at schools to come to when I visited here, this school really stood out,” said Edwards. “Just by being with guys during practice you can feel there is a difference. Baseball has been a passion my entire life, so I want to continue that on in college for as long as I can. The way the coaches and players carry themselves, I just want to be a part of that. Next year I am hoping to play center.”
Left handed pitcher Joseph Thorn shares a similar drive and commitment to the game.
“There is just something special about this place that I love,” Thorn said. “Such as the welcoming culture. They don’t try to mold you or make you into one specific type. They take what you’re good at, then amplify that by modifying your training to what benefits you. In our coaching, one size does not fit all.
“Being able to meet guys from all kinds of walks in life have helped me to grow as an athlete and as a person. It is a melting pot of different personalities and we do a really good job at working together. There hasn’t been a second of bad blood on this team. It is pretty special because our fun results in success.”
Athletes often find themselves reflecting on their wins and failures, wondering where life will take them next. Coach Webb is the one who witnesses their hard work firsthand and celebrates the rewarding results.
“It’s been fun to see where players end up and I see a wide array of places,” said Webb. “We have some players who have moved onto Gonzaga and Whitworth here in town. Some at Washington State, some at the University of Washington. Virginia, Florida, Arizona, all over the country.”
As the season wraps up, Coach Webb also reflects on what truly defines this team beyond wins and losses. With the clarity and connection that carries them through challenges both on and off the field.
“One thing that is overlooked in being a good teammate and a good human being,” said Webb. “It really starts with that. Sometimes the game will beat you down so having a group that trusts each other and respects each other helps a lot to get through tough times. It helps you keep a good frame of mind to be consistently competitive.”
