Wichita, Kansas — In a season defined by discipline, depth, and destiny, the Phoenix College Bears carved their name into NJCAA history, securing their first National Championship with a commanding 2–0 victory over CCBC Essex. The win capped off a remarkable 22-1-1 campaign that saw the Bears sweep every major trophy available: the ACCAC Title, the Region 1 Championship, the District 1 Championship, and now the NJCAA Men's Soccer National Championship.
This historic triumph carried special meaning for longtime head coach David Cameron, who in his 21st season finally lifted the national trophy that had eluded him. Even more poetic, the breakthrough came with his son, Jack Cameron, on the field wearing the same number 7 jersey his father wore for Phoenix College during the 1994–95 seasons.
A Game Defined by Clutch Moments and Championship Poise
Phoenix College controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, and their breakthrough came from a moment of pure quality.
Midway through the first half, Horace Katende delivered a perfectly placed cross into the box, where Tiernann Nicewander rose above the defense and powered home a clinical header. The finish would stand as the game-winning goal of the national championship match, sending the Bears' bench and supporters into celebration.
In the second half, Phoenix College produced a goal that will live in program history. Fredy Alvarez, showcasing elite individual skill, dribbled through five defenders before unleashing a bending strike from 24 yards out, curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper and sealing the Bears' grip on the title. It was a goal worthy of crowning a champion.
Defensively, the Bears were impenetrable. Jan Villegas delivered another flawless performance in goal, securing the shutout in the final and completing a tournament run without conceding a single goal—a rare and defining mark of dominance.
A Season of Dominance, Resilience, and Family
The Bears' 22-1-1 season was built on exceptional team chemistry, veteran leadership, and unmatched depth. Phoenix College moved through the ACCAC, Region 1, and District 1 schedules with intensity and composure, entering the national tournament as one of the most complete squads in the country.
Winning the program's first national title was the culmination of years of foundation-building, culture-setting, and relentless work. For Coach Cameron, lifting the trophy alongside his son created a legacy moment that will resonate through Phoenix College athletics for generations.
The Bears' Legacy is now Etched in Gold
With the final whistle in Wichita, the Phoenix College Bears didn't just win a championship, they rewrote the program's history. From Nicewander's decisive header, to Alvarez's wonder goal, to Villegas' perfect tournament, every moment reflected a team built for greatness.
The 2025 Bears are National Champions.
They set the standard.
And the Cameron legacy now shines at the heart of Phoenix College's greatest achievement.
