Prescott, AZ, January 28, 2026
Yavapai College athletics gears up for a vibrant week, featuring crucial basketball games and the start of baseball season. The week highlights the dedication of student-athletes participating in Unity Day, fostering community spirit while battling for conference victories. With men’s and women’s basketball home games and the baseball and softball teams in action, the college emphasizes its role in regional sports and student development.
Prescott, AZ — Yavapai College athletics are set for a dynamic stretch from January 27th to 31st, featuring home conference basketball matchups and the highly anticipated return of baseball. With four sports simultaneously in action, the campus is poised for a week demonstrating the vigor of its student-athletes and the unifying power of community engagement. This period also includes the institution’s 4th Annual Unity Day, highlighting the college’s commitment to collective strength alongside athletic competition.
The Roughriders are not just participating; they are actively shaping the narrative of community college sports in Arizona, with men’s and women’s basketball teams aiming for crucial conference victories and baseball kicking off its 2026 season with an eye on past successes and future aspirations. This active calendar underscores the robust athletic programs at Yavapai College and their contribution to local spirit and disciplined growth.
Roughriders Ignite Busy Week on Home Courts and Road Fields
The latter half of January brings a full slate of events for Yavapai College, solidifying its position as a hub for competitive athletics in Prescott and across Arizona. This week showcases the dedication of student-athletes and the strategic investment in their development, a testament to the thriving sports ecosystem that cultivates individual excellence and team cohesion. The combination of intense conference play in basketball and the early-season challenges for baseball and softball underscores the comprehensive approach to athletic development at Yavapai College.
Basketball Teams Eye Critical Conference Showdowns
Yavapai Women’s Basketball is returning home for a series of pivotal conference games. On Wednesday, January 28th, they are scheduled to challenge #2 Eastern Arizona at 5:30 PM. Following this, on Saturday, January 31st, the Roughriders will seek a rematch against Southern Nevada, aiming for their first conference victory of the season after a narrow three-point loss in their previous encounter. This game is set to tip off at 2 PM, coinciding with the Unity Day festivities.
The Men’s Basketball team also faces a crucial stretch of home conference games this week. On Wednesday, January 28th, they will rematch Eastern Arizona at 7:30 PM, looking to avenge a two-point road loss from January 10th. The Unity Day men’s basketball game on Saturday, January 31st, will see them compete against Southern Nevada, with tip-off at 4 PM. Both Wednesday and Saturday basketball games are sponsored by Findlay Hyundai Prescott, demonstrating local business support for college sports. The men’s team recently lost by three points in an ACCAC game at Cochise on January 24, 2026, with Alex Pierce leading scoring with 16 points and Torin Bosch contributing 15 points.
Community Engagement through Unity Day
Saturday, January 31st, marks Yavapai College’s 4th Annual Unity Day, an event designed to foster community strength and spirit. The day begins with a walk, with registration available online or on-site, followed by food provided by The Eatery from a food truck. The festivities will continue at the basketball games against Southern Nevada, including various games, trivia, and a 50/50 raffle, weaving community celebration with athletic competition. This initiative exemplifies the college’s role in promoting local self-reliance and collective well-being, leveraging the platform of athletics to bring residents together.
Baseball and Softball Seasons Begin with Ambitious Goals
The Yavapai Baseball team officially commences its 2026 season this weekend. After a 33-22 record in 2025 and a playoff appearance against Southern Nevada, new Head Coach Marc MacMillan and Assistant Coach Chris Jimenez are focused on elevating the team’s performance with their current roster. The team will start on the road at Pima CC in Tucson, a team ranked #21 in the NJCAA DII Preseason poll. The three-game series against Pima CC begins on Friday, January 30th, at 1:30 PM, followed by two games on Saturday, January 31st, at 11 AM and 1 PM. Yavapai’s 2026 baseball schedule includes 48 regular season games, with 30 being ACCAC conference matchups. Conference play will commence on February 27th, with Yavapai hosting Southern Nevada. Mitchell Rauckman, a 2026 LHP, has committed to Yavapai College.
Softball is already in its second week of the season. Last week, the Roughriders participated in the Pima Softball Invitational in Tucson, playing four games due to weather. They secured a 13-8 victory over Chandler-Gilbert CC, starting their season with a 1-3 record, including a close loss to #6-ranked Pima Aztecs. This weekend, the team will travel to Henderson for the CSN Kickoff Classic, playing five games. On Friday, January 30th, they face Spoon River at 8:30 AM, North Idaho at 11 AM, and Salt Lake at 1:30 PM. Saturday, January 31st, includes games against North Idaho at 9 AM and Snow at 11:30 AM.
Investing in Student-Athlete Success and Regional Growth
The sustained activity in Yavapai Athletics highlights a commitment to student-athlete development and competitive excellence, which in turn contributes to the broader Arizona athletic and economic scene. Robust university programs, supported by private initiatives and community efforts, are vital for sports success. The visible presence of local businesses, such as Findlay Hyundai Prescott, sponsoring games underscores the symbiotic relationship between athletic programs and the local economy. These partnerships provide essential resources for student-athletes while fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsible growth within the community. The emphasis on competition, discipline, and teamwork cultivated in Yavapai College’s programs aligns with the values of personal initiative and self-reliance, preparing students for success beyond the playing field.
The upcoming week for Yavapai College athletics is a clear demonstration of vibrant competition and community spirit. From high-stakes basketball games to the launch of the baseball season and ongoing softball challenges, the Roughriders are embodying the competitive spirit and dedication that strengthens both their institution and the wider Arizona sports landscape. Residents and supporters are encouraged to attend games, participate in Unity Day, and continue to back these diligent student-athletes as they pursue excellence in sport and in life. Engage with Yavapai College athletics to support student achievement and community pride.
FAQ Section
When is Yavapai College’s 4th Annual Unity Day?
Yavapai College’s 4th Annual Unity Day is on Saturday, January 31st.
What events are scheduled for Women’s Basketball this week?
On Wednesday, January 28th, Yavapai Women’s Basketball will face #2 Eastern Arizona at 5:30 PM. On Saturday, January 31st, they will have a rematch against Southern Nevada at 2 PM.
What events are scheduled for Men’s Basketball this week?
On Wednesday, January 28th, Yavapai Men’s Basketball will rematch Eastern Arizona at 7:30 PM. On Saturday, January 31st, they will play against Southern Nevada at 4 PM as part of Unity Day.
When does Yavapai Baseball begin its 2026 season?
Yavapai Baseball begins its 2026 regular season on Friday, January 30th, with a three-game series against Pima CC in Tucson.
Where will the Yavapai Softball team be competing this weekend?
The Yavapai Softball team will be competing in the CSN Kickoff Classic in Henderson, playing five games on Friday, January 30th, and Saturday, January 31st.
Yavapai Athletics: January 27-31 Key Events
| Sport | Date | Opponent | Time/Outcome | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Basketball | Wednesday, Jan 28 | #2 Eastern Arizona | 5:30 PM | Home (Prescott, AZ) |
| Men’s Basketball | Wednesday, Jan 28 | Eastern Arizona | 7:30 PM | Home (Prescott, AZ) |
| Baseball | Friday, Jan 30 | Pima CC (#21 NJCAA DII) | 1:30 PM | Away (Tucson, AZ) |
| Softball | Friday, Jan 30 | Spoon River | 8:30 AM | Away (Henderson, NV) |
| Softball | Friday, Jan 30 | North Idaho | 11:00 AM | Away (Henderson, NV) |
| Softball | Friday, Jan 30 | Salt Lake | 1:30 PM | Away (Henderson, NV) |
| Women’s Basketball | Saturday, Jan 31 | Southern Nevada (Unity Day) | 2:00 PM | Home (Prescott, AZ) |
| Men’s Basketball | Saturday, Jan 31 | Southern Nevada (Unity Day) | 4:00 PM | Home (Prescott, AZ) |
| Baseball | Saturday, Jan 31 | Pima CC (#21 NJCAA DII) | 11:00 AM | Away (Tucson, AZ) |
| Baseball | Saturday, Jan 31 | Pima CC (#21 NJCAA DII) | 1:00 PM | Away (Tucson, AZ) |
| Softball | Saturday, Jan 31 | North Idaho | 9:00 AM | Away (Henderson, NV) |
| Softball | Saturday, Jan 31 | Snow | 11:30 AM | Away (Henderson, NV) |
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