DANIEL PESCADOR NAMED CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK & FIELD HEAD COACH
Friday Decemeber 5, 2025 - 10:00 a.m. | Dylan DeVlieger
Mesa Community College Athletics has officially named Daniel Pescador the Head Coach of MCC Cross Country / Track & Field, removing the interim tag in track & field after a 2024–25 season that produced strong national finishes across both programs. Under his direction last year, the men placed 20th at NJCAA Indoor Nationals and 15th at Outdoor Nationals, while the women finished 11th indoors and 12th outdoors. Pescador now leads a program with one of the richest legacies in the NJCAA, holding nine national championships (eight outdoor and one indoor).
Pescador steps into the permanent role with confidence in the foundation he has helped build over the past decade along side former head coach Steve Jacobs who held the position for 35 years.
"I feel excited, proud, committed, and confident! Since my arrival as the head cross country coach and assistant track coach in 2015, my goal was to help elevate the programs into an elite and national caliber to add to the historic success. I have seen the programs grow and flourish, have guided the cross country teams to new heights and being one of the premier programs in the country. I want to get the track and field programs to the same levels of success. I'm very proud to be able to continue to see the programs improve in all areas. I have high goals and expectations for both cross country and track field, and I know we have the right student athletes and coaches to help contribute to that vision," said Pescador.
Mesa Community College Athletic Director John Mulhern noted the significance of Pescador's work and the impact he has already made.
"Coach Pescador has worked very hard over the last ten years to prepare himself for this opportunity. The academic and athletic success that his programs have experienced has made an impression on the history of Mesa Community College athletics. We look forward to the future and his and his student-athletes continued academic and athletic success," said Mulhern.
Looking ahead to his first official season, Pescador aims to establish a clear identity centered on unity, accountability, and collective purpose.
"For me I would say getting the buy-in for having a team-first mentality, in all aspects: academics, athletics, team unity and support. And revamping our cross country and track field roster. Adapting to changes, making the most out of opportunities, coming together and competing for one another," said Pescador.
Pescador looks to build a team first mentality where everyone knows their role and importance to the team.
"Always first and foremost a team first mentality, team unity and being the best versions of themselves in all areas academically and athletically; as well as having the betterment of team at the forefront of everything we do. I want to continue to have a culture where everyone matters, is important, has a role to contribute, and brings a championship mentality and attitude on a daily basis. We want everyone to demand and expect the best of themselves, their teammates, and their coaches. I want that same mentality, culture, and expectations to carry over into their academics as well," said Pescador.
With a decade of program-building experience, national championship success, and a clear plan for elevating the entire track and field unit, Pescador enters the upcoming season positioned to guide MCC back toward national contention. The Thunderbirds move forward with a strengthened foundation and a coach ready to lead one of the NJCAA's storied programs.