MESA, Arizona -- Jan. 31, 2025 -- Mesa Community College Women's Cross Country team, the Lady T-birds, earned its first Scholar Team of the Year award from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association; the Men's Cross Country team was named an All-Academic Team for posting a 3.11 cumulative GPA.

The Lady T-birds, who captured their first NJCAA National Championship in Nov. 2024, maintained a 3.66 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) while competing during the fall 2024 season.

MCC Head Coach Daniel Pescador is extremely proud of his teams for maintaining high academic standards.

"As a coach, I take great pride in the academic success and growth of student athletes,” said Coach Pescador. “From day one, our message is always academics come first."

John Mulhern, MCC Athletic director agrees saying, "This is a great accomplishment for our women's and men's Cross Country programs as well as their dedicated coaches. I echo Coach Pescador’s sentiments about taking pride in the academic success and professional growth of our student athletes. Their commitment is evident in their demonstrated results on and off the running surfaces".

Visit mesacc.edu/athletics to learn more about Thunderbird teams, season schedules and news.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.