Since 1990, Phoenix College softball coach Heinz Mueller has coached eight sets of sisters, three sets of twins, 64 four-year college scholarship recipients, 34 NFCA All -Americans and 13 NJCAA All-American honorees. Not to mention, his team was academically ranked #7 in the nation for having a 3.39 G.P.A. in 2002 and in 2000 and 2001, they won the national championship title.

Why are his players so successful? According to Mueller it is an assortment of things. First, his players are athletically driven, yet academically focused. His former athletes have gone on and graduated from a number of top schools including Fordham University, Rutgers University, University of Tennessee, University of Texas, Florida State University, University of Alabama, Arizona State University, among many others.

"Above all, these women are here to learn," said Mueller. "As a team, they support each other mentally and encourage one another to do well in their studies. It’s their priority."

Second, the team is a support system; however, Mueller and his athletes would refer to this "support system" as a family. For many of these women who come to Phoenix College directly out of high school, the team helps them to develop and mature mentally.

"Some of these women leave high school ready to conquer the world," he added. "Some come to Phoenix College because the want to stay close to home. Whatever the reason, we serve as a stepping stone to the next level. Their two years at PC allows them to mature, get academically focused and prepare for a 4-year university or college - if that is what they decide to do."

At last, these athletes learn to juggle a demanding schedule. Not only are they practicing and traveling in and out of state for softball games, they are also working full or part-time jobs as well as maintaining competitive grades. Having the ability to prioritize and keep up with demanding schedules has benefited a number of Mueller’s athletes long after they graduate from Phoenix College.

"I’ve had a number of players go on and be very successful whether they continue to play the sport or not," said Mueller. "My former athletes are now nurses, teachers, investment managers, architects, fire fighters and the list continues. This is the overall joy of coaching – to see these women follow their dreams and become successful."

As Mueller looks across his office wall, which contains photos of his former players, championship games, news articles and awards, he reminisces about some of his past players.

Jaci Welsh - attended the University of Tennessee and is now a firefighter for the Phoenix Fire Department. Mueller describes her as a tremendous athlete and reveals that she made the top 52 in the nation for the Olympic Softball team. "She was one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached," he added.

Katie Kelser, Corrine Courtney and Renee Little - attended Fordham University, which is the highest academically ranked institution in New York. Kelser, now an investment banker was across the street from the Twin Towers on Sept. 11.

Jennifer Chapman – graduated from the University of Alabama in architecture. She worked with the architectural team that designed the Paris hotel in Las Vegas.

Maritza Valenzeula – interned at the United Nations after graduating from Rutgers University.

Welsh describes her experience with the team as "unforgettable."

"We were like a family," she said. "The team was the closest team I’ve ever played on throughout my athletic career. Coach Mueller really cares about his players and has a great interest in where they go. He really cares about our future."

Mueller makes it a point to keep in touch with his former players. Thirty-six athletes returned to Phoenix College last January to participate in the alumni softball tournament.

"I can’t tell you how many weddings I’ve been to over the last couple of years," he said. "In so many ways, I really feel like Phoenix College made an impact on their lives."

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