PHOENIX, April 1, 2022 - Phoenix College's (PC) softball program is making its name known yet again, but this time it's because of a pitcher who has struck out more than 1,000 batters.

Brianna Hardy, or "Breezy" as her coach and teammates call her, has become the most decorated student athlete in National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and PC history. In just four years, from 2019 to 2022, she has gained numerous accolades, helped her team finish second at the NJCAA National Championship tournament in 2019 and win the NJCAA National Championship tournament in 2021. "She has made me proud of being her coach for 4 years," said PC's Head Softball Coach, Heinz Mueller. "I have never coached an athlete like Breezy, in my 32 years at PC, who is so incredibly gifted and actually executes her skills to the max."

Hardy is a two-time, First Team All-American National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and NJCAA athlete, a two-time Player and Pitcher of the Year in the NFCA and NJCAA, won the Betty Jo Graber Award in 2021 for Best Female Athlete in the NJCAA, and was the MVP of the National Championship tournament that PC won in 2021.

On March 22, 2022, Hardy achieved another milestone in her junior college career in a game against Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC): she struck out her 1000th batter. "The secret is that she has at least six different pitches," said Coach Mueller, "and they all have different speeds to which a hitter has a hard time adjusting at the plate." In just a few short weeks she will secure her 100th game victory. Right now, she stands at 98-2 in her career -just two games away from setting a record which has never been approached in the history of the NJCAA. Once she reaches her 100th win with her team, she will become the first pitcher in the NJCAA to have ever achieved this many wins in a collegiate career.

"[I've] never ever been around a player like her," said Coach Mueller. "She is very humble which is a great attribute for a pitcher. She is very self-confident on the mound when she pitches because she wants perfection and works hard to achieve it. Breezy is easy to coach because she does all the work; I just sit back and watch her command the game like no one else."

Since its founding in May of 1938, the NJCAA has never had such a highly-awarded individual… until now. And, no athlete has ever reached this level of athletic achievement in PC's 102-year history. When PC Interim President, Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo was asked what his thoughts were on Hardy he said, "Brianna Hardy exemplifies the Heart of the Bear. Her hard work and determination have made her a legend on the field and in the classroom as a student athlete at PC. She is making history as we speak. PC is proud to call Brianna a Bear."

Due to COVID-19, athletes were granted an extra year of eligibility since entire seasons across the country were all but canceled. "The bar has already been set pretty high with years of champions here at Phoenix College in the softball program, but what Brianna accomplished during a pandemic will truly go down in history," said PC Athletic Director, Kristine Kincaid. "I am honored to have witnessed such accomplishments and, to think, she still has more to achieve."

"I didn't set a goal of 1000 strikeouts," said Hardy, "so it was surprising to me when I accomplished it. I focused on my mechanics as a young pitcher and carried that training through my years. I'm very proud of myself for reaching this milestone and I just hope to continue from here."

Hardy plans to stay in Arizona to finish out her collegiate softball career since she only has one year of eligibility left. Colleges from all over the country have shown interest in her but in the meantime, she plans to finish strong, keep her ERA (earned runs average) below 1.00 throughout the remainder of the season, and graduate from PC this spring with an Associate Degree in General Studies.

When asked what advice she'd give to those wanting to play sports in college Hardy said, "Don't let one setback or one failed attempt affect your passion and drive. I recommend staying open-minded to the community college level of sports while having the mentality to strive for the next level. Overall, remain competitive and want the best for yourself."

For questions or further information please contact Phoenix College Athletic Director, Kristine Kincaid at kristine.kincaid@phoenixcollege.edu.

Written by Meagan Young