Hello everyone my name is Clarissa and I recently just interviewed Julio Rey on my podcast. Julio Rey is an alumni here at Ventura college, who not only graduated here but played football for two years here as an offensive line. Julio has officially transferred to Northeastern State University of Oklahoma and wanted to continue to pursue his athletic career. Me and Julio talked briefly about his student life, athletic life, and also social life. We also talked about what personal and athletic goals he aspires to get out of his new journey at Northeastern State University. I hope you guys enjoyed listening to my podcast because I definitely had a great time getting to know Julio and learning about the life of a student athlete.
Leave a comment below and let me know what student or student athlete you would like for me to have on my next podcast episode.
Click the links below for more information and access to the podcast.
I was able to get an exclusive interview with Aiden DeMello, a right-handed pitcher for the Ventura College baseball team, where we got the opportunity to get important information about the route and the diversity collegiate athletes face. While we conclude the interview with keys of keeping the electric team rolling into a successful year.
Question: What inspired you to pursue baseball at Ventura College?
Answer: Since I could remember, my number one goal in life was to play baseball at the collegiate level. Unfortunately, coming out of high school I received very little attention from 4-year universities. Feeling like my childhood dream was slipping away, I decided to pursue the “JUCO” route. I have always admired the dedication and sacrifice that junior college athletes go through. It takes a competitive mindset and a winning culture to be successful. I felt Ventura College embodied these exact things and that is what inspired me to pursue Baseball here.
Question: What major are you pursuing and why? How do you balance academics and athletics and a college athlete?
Answer: My major is Sports Journalism with a minor in Broadcasting. All my life I have been in love with anything to do with sports. Whether it was a random Tuesday night baseball game or Super Bowl Sunday, I was always excited to watch. I have also always had a knack for arguing over sports topics. Because of this passion, I decided to make a career out of it.
Being a student athlete, it is definitely hard finding time for academics. It is often challenging and burdensome to cut time away from training to finish an essay or vice versa. It really comes down to sacrifice. Sadly, I have had to cut time away from friends and family to keep my grades up. No more friday nights out with the boys and movie nights with the family have been exceedingly hard choices I have had to make to make sure I keep a high gpa.
Question: Being in your sophomore year, what are your plans academic and athletics wise after Ventura College?
Answer: My initial plan is to transfer after this semester to a 4 year university and continue to play baseball. Last season I suffered a shoulder injury early in the year that effectively ended my true freshman season. Luckily, I was granted a Medical Redshirt and received that year of eligibility back. So if I don’t receive any offers after this season, I plan to come back next year and use my last year of juco eligibility.
Question: What are the keys for success this year as a team?
Answer: The number one key for success this season is limiting the mistakes. We dropped a crucial series to a rival in Moorpark College because of foolish mistakes. The week after we played the number one team in California and played a flawless game, earning us a win. We have an extremely talented and well rounded team this season. If we are able to limit our mistakes, you will see us in playoffs come May.
Question: Why should people go to a Ventura Pirates baseball game?
Answer: We have an exciting team this year. At every position we have athletes making plans and hitting home runs. Our guys on the mound are throwing gas and striking batters out at an elite rate. Before the week we were ranked inside the top 20 teams in California. There really isn’t a reason why someone shouldn’t consider coming to a game.
Julio Rey is a Ventura College alumnus who played two years for our college as a right guard offensive lineman. Most of our student athletes in Ventura college play here in a junior college school to get better opportunities to take their athleticism to a higher level. Julio is one of those athletes that wanted to take that route in his journey.
I always wondered why athletes take the JUCO route and if it’s the best decision for them. I had the chance to get a one on one interview with Julio and I asked him why did he take this route and if it a good decision. He goes on by saying, “hitting the JUCO route was the best decision I have ever made. Lots of people look down on JUCO, but to me it was a big step and it meant everything to me.”
A lot of athletes do look down on junior colleges and think they can’t get a future out of it but that’s not the case. Ventura College has had over a thousands transfers which went on to play for a division 1 or division 2 school. Jaylen Watson, a two time Super Bowl champion from the Kansas City Chiefs, was one of them.
We talked more about what can be the down side when going through a junior college route and he mentioned injures. Julio has recently came back from an injury which he fractured his tibia and fibula during a game which took a toll on him mentally. Athletes go through so many injuries so I asked Julio, “how do you manage injuries or setbacks that affect your ability to perform?” In our interview he mentions, “injuries come with the sport unfortunately, but it happens to everyone. Rest is the key component to manage an injury,” which he isn’t wrong about. Although sports can come with injuries that will bring a setback in your career they also bring more strength to one. After Julio’s injury, he worked ten times harder to get that scholarship he deserves to continue to play football in a higher level. During the offseason he got a few offers to take his athleticism somewhere else, which he committed to Northeastern State University this year.
Athletes get many opportunities to play somewhere else, but what makes that one school different than the rest. I go on and ask Julio what made him pick Northeastern State University (NSU). He mentions how the coaching staff made him feel this is the best decision for him, “They have successful coaches who joined this year that have NFL and division 1 experiences. The school previously had losing seasons, so seeing this and my head coach being successful, can change the program. Chaffey College is a JUCO in Southern California which previously had a losing seasons ranging from 0-10 record in one year. My head coach from NSU went to Chaffey and caused them to have a winning season record of 11-0. He also was the assistant head coach at Colorado as the offensive coordinator and played with the Browns. Now he has made his life as a coach changing programs and players lives.”
Seeing how junior colleges can change one’s life and take them far is the best part one can witness. Our Ventura College football team had a record of 8-4, which made it to the championship in their conference but came up short. Our offensive lineman pushed over 2,700 rushing yards this season which made history in our football program. I had the great pleasure to interview Julio Rey and learned how much a junior college can change one’s life when wanting to take your athleticism to a higher level.
To be an 8th-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate is one of the highest belts one can receive in martial arts. Paul Perce, owner and founder of Perce’s Kenpo Karate, holds one of the highest black belts in all of Ventura County, along with running a successful Karate studio for over 28 years in Fillmore California.
Today we dive into the story of a successful business owner in Ventura County and what they did to get where they are today. Paul Perce grew up in El Rio, Oxnard, where many know that the area has gang-affiliated groups residing there. The parents of Paul Perce didn’t want him and his brother to be involved with gangs, so his parents signed the brothers up for martial arts to keep them occupied throughout the day. Paul continued his love for martial arts for over 26 years training in a variety of arts kenpo, kali, and jiujitsu.
In 1996 Perce’s Kenpo Karate was opened in Fillmore California at the age of 26. He gained management skills by helping to instruct the Flores Brothers’ karate studio in Oxnard. That karate studio was also where he trained for many years. Paul learned the experience he needed and thus took the leap of faith opening his very own Kenpo karate studio. When interviewing Paul, he explained, “When teaching students, it’s very important to pay attention to every detail. That is the key to success.” The key to being successful in running a smooth business is to never overlook the small details, especially when training people of all ages. Perce’s Kenpo Karate has established a long-lasting foundation for Fillmore’s small community. Even though Fillmore is a small town, students of Paul even those based in Los Angeles County travel to Perce’s Kenpo to learn from him. Perce’s studio has created a strong relationship with his students and created an impact on the communities of Fillmore and Ventura. Paul’s plan for his business is to stay established in Fillmore but expand to different schools all around Ventura County teaching after-school self-defense classes.
Overall Paul has established a successful business through his eye for detail, organization, experience, and love for what he does. Establishing a business you don’t have passion for is not going to work if you do not love what you do. For Paul, his passion and love for karate will continue helping him build a proud long-lasting business in Fillmore, California teaching people of all ages the art of Kenpo Karate.
On Friday February 23rd, The VC Pirates faced Hancock Bulldogs in a fight to stay in the playoff running. That was Sophomore night honoring Tiernan Phillips , Alexis Howery , and Dani Henley . In a pre-game interview with VC Sophomore Alexis Howery about how she feels coming into this match up she expressed, “the last time we played them -Hancock- we had the best energy.” The Pirates had faith that they would be able to bring it home to make it in the playoffs.
VC had a steady start into the game, they had played the Bulldogs prior and came out victorious, 67-44. The first quarter ended with the Pirates trailing by 3 points. The second quarter was a back and forth match between teams both wanting the win, ending with a tie 22-22 going into the half. The game was close in score but VC couldn’t hold out and fell short to Hancock with a 42-56 final game score. VC sophomore Tiernan Phillips was lead scorer in the game with 12pts.
The VC Pirates are headed to Moorpark College on Saturday night, March 9, 2024 to take on the Raiders at 7pm in hopes of keeping their season alive. Click here for schedule and ticket information. See you there!
Ventura College Women’s Basketball team’s loss Friday night to Allan Hancock was a devastating, but spectacular battle of their regular season finale. The outcome of this game (final score 56-42) won’t overshadow their present and future accomplishments; as they gain experience in sailing turbulent waters together as a team. Tiernan Phillips jetted 12 points, Sam McKenzie 7, Elena Ferrara 4, Alexis Howery 7, Alexa Coubal 7.
The Pirates are coached by Ventura College’s best women’s basketball head coach: Ned Mircetic. As an inductee of the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame, he is very humble and happy to share his chests full of priceless treasures: invaluable wisdom that has helped past and present players achieve their best in all aspects of their lives. In addition to his way of life philosophy of “basic fundamentals through team play to play hard,” he mentioned his focus is for his players to grind at life, and be at their best as they develop into adulthood. His passion to aid in their intellectual development individually and as a team has encouraged his current players to want to be better. According to Leslie Salazar, he expects them to show up early, be the smartest one, and work hard. Additionally, Alexa Coubal also praised his intelligence and ability to be a great teacher, something many coaches lack.
It is also worth mentioning the pirates exquisitely demonstrated their philosophy “We Play Hard” both individually and collectively as a team. Before the game began, the pirates displayed an unifying force when they honored our flag during the national anthem. It was followed by the women’s basketball team honoring their 3 sophomores: Dani Henley, Alexis Howery, Tiernan Phillps, in a touching ceremony in which they received flowers, and in turn they took them to their families, who were in attendance and ready to cheer them on.
Of course, defeating Allan Hancock would have meant everything to the Pirates, but let’s not forget they had a great season winning 9 out of 12 games. Friday’s defeat does not diminish their chance to be victorious (once again), since there’s another opportunity for our women’s team extend their playoff run this Saturday night against Moorpark College. Be certain coach Ned expects the Ventura College Women’s Basketball team to show up on Saturday, live life, and play with a high degree of intelligence.
I was able to go behind the scenes and interview some of the women that played in the basketball game last Friday February 23rd, 2024 at Ventura College. There are two in particular that stood out to me and would like to share their stories. I was able to speak with them pregame and I even managed to attend one of their team practice sessions where I got to do the interviews. I hope you enjoy their story as they are some very nice and friendly people that have also had their struggle to be where they are today.
This is Alexis Howery. She has been playing basketball her entire life. Since childhood, she would go to Ventura College with a friend of hers and play basketball together practicing their shots. Today both her and her friend, Tiernan Philips, are on the women’s basketball team at Ventura College. Alexis is a sophomore, and a shooting guard for the Ventura College basketball team. This year they got many new members in their team, and they seem to all get along well and have grown a pretty close friendship with one another.
Alexis is part of the first generation in her family to go to college and it seems to be a big driving factor for her to do good in school. She has four siblings, three brothers and one sister. Alexis didn’t want to be part of the basketball team at first. She wanted to join gymnastics or do another sport, but basketball ran in her family so she kind of fell into it. She still enjoys playing basketball and takes it very seriously.
This is Daphné LeBrun, she is a point guard at Ventura College. During one of her more recent games she was injured and will need surgery. She was in the middle of a game when she miss-stepped and ended up tearing her ACL. Due to the severity of her injury, not only will she need surgery, but she also won’t be able to play for the rest of the season. Despite her situation she remains cheerful and keeps cheering for her teammates at the games. She also said, “it’s harder to see them at practice because I want to join them and participate when they are in a game it’s easier for me because I can just cheer for them”.
Daphné originally came to America from France and was planning on staying here for another four years. She wanted to do all of her school in the United States but since she was injured, she will be returning to France next year to recover. One of her main concerns besides the surgery itself is her not being able to play basketball the way she used to. She will most likely stay in France for the rest of her schooling and potentially play basketball over there when she recovers.
This Wednesday February 28th, 2024 they will have their last playoffs game at (time of the game) you are all more than welcome to come and show your support at the game click below for more details!!!
Ted Lasso season 3 has come and gone. Since this was one of our favorite shows at VC Social, Torrey Rodriguez and Ximena Alvear join Nick Norris to discuss the series, ranging from favorite moments to how the show has influenced their actual lives.
Social media is a growing multi-use tool for everyone. Surfers and skaters have been able to capitalize on social media as a way to grow their audience and earn money by promoting brands. It can be tough, for local surfers especially, to get good quality clips showcasing their skills. This is where False Front Media can help. False Front Media records clips of surfers, skaters, and more on a high quality camera and creates video edits for their social media feeds.
Here’s a YouTube video that takes a behind the scenes dive into False Front Media.:
Filmed and edited By Schuyler Arevalo
False Front Media was created by Noah Gilbert, an Oxnard local. Him and his team help create and promote high quality videos on social media, they primarily operate on Instagram and YouTube. My experiences working with False Front Media have been positive. The process no matter the project has always been quick, enjoyable, and productive. Noah Gilbert has great ideas for video creation, once his vision is set and the video starts coming together I’m always able to appreciate the art of putting clips together to make a video a little bit more.
Katey Mulville #10 is a standout indoor and beach volleyball here at Ventura College. Just recently she announced she would be continuing her beach volleyball journey at a D1 school, CSU Bakersfield. The 6’0 kill generator provides a strong block in beach volleyball and can move great on defense. Being a student athlete about to transfer to a Division 1 school means that you have a pretty busy schedule, but Katey was still able to find time to answer some questions I had for her.
Question 1: “What was the biggest factor when you chose to commit to CSU Bakersfield?”
Answer 1: “The biggest factor for me was getting the chance to actually go and visit the girls and the campus. Going on the visit gave me a true perspective of how their program is ran, getting to watch them conduct a practice. I got to experience the leadership and sisterhood that the program has. I also got to experience the campus life while walking around and felt super welcomed by every person or faculty that I got to meet.
Question 2: About 6 years ago when you started playing in high school did you think you’d commit to a D1 school?
Answer 2: I would have NEVER thought I’d commit to playing at a D1 school. I started playing volleyball for fun and then it completely sprouted into a love or passion. Also starting in high school is actually quite a late start for most people that go anywhere after high school. I’m extremely lucky to have been apart of some great programs from high school, to one club team, and an awesome junior college crew. High school Katey would be so proud.
Question 3: What do you think the biggest adjustment will be playing at CSU Bakersfield?
Answer 3: The biggest adjustment for playing at CSUB would definitely be the level of playing and time commitment. Since it’s a D1 school the level of play is obviously higher so that will be a daily challenge to continue to expand as a player to reach higher levels. And time commitment is similar to my junior college schedule except for the D1 has strength training as a priority even during season so that will be an adjustment for time management on a day to day and physical challenge.
As Katey prepares to take a huge step in her playing career it’s evident that all of the hard work she has consistently put in over the years is paying off.
VC Social 