UC High’s most successful sports program in recent history is pushing hard this offseason in preparation for its pursuit of its third straight San Diego Section CIF Title. The Centurions Baseball program is the 2024 CIF DIV Champions, the 2025 CIF DIII Champions, and the 2025 CIF State Southern California Regional Division III Champions; however, they now await their toughest competition yet in DII.
The team has been practicing since the fall and is continuing to ramp up before the spring season. Head Coach Chris Greer said, “We are extremely grateful that San Diego weather allows us to continue to play baseball year-round. We use winterball to focus on development and our weaknesses.”
Part of the team’s mindset this off-season is to move past their recent success. “Past championships don’t win future games. Every season starts at zero. The moment you get comfortable is the moment someone passes you. We stay hungry by focusing on the process, not the results,” said Greer.
The team is led by Seniors AJ Curry and Jayden Parker. Curry is ranked within the top 100 prospects in the nation by the scouting program Perfect Game, while Parker is within the top 50 players in California. Both are committed to play Division One baseball, Curry at the University of Tennessee, and Parker at Indiana University (perfectgame.org).
The presence of the two stars is certainly felt within the program. Greer said, “When you’re practicing next to guys who are going to that level, you either rise or get exposed. It pushes everyone to lock in because reps matter, and nothing is given. Iron sharpens iron.”
Junior Ethan Goodwin, a first-year varsity player, highlighted the importance of Curry and Parker. “Having two players at practice who are committed to D1 programs really makes a difference. They are great role models and examples of how hard work pays off,” said Goodwin.
The importance of winterball is not lost on the team. “Winterball is super important for me this year. Getting a head start on the season makes sure I perform well when it matters the most,” said Parker.
Parker believes that winterball has played a key part in their recent success. “Winterball is the calm before the storm. By the time the season rolls around, we are already in mid-season form and playing high-level baseball,” he said.
A major benefit of winterball is the opportunity to get to know your teammates. Junior Thiago Quillin, now entering his third year on varsity, said, “When you get all the returners back, and then add in the newcomers, it gives us time to get together and become a team. When I was a freshman, I got a chance to meet all the upperclassmen, but now I get to experience the reverse.”
Winterball doesn’t just help with team principles, but also individual player development. “We slow the game down, clean up our mechanics, raise baseball IQ, and establish our standard. If we each improve individually, we become a more complete baseball team,” said Greer.
With Curry and Parker at the helm, a strong supporting cast of hard-working players, and the guidance of Coach Greer, continued success seems imminent for UC High’s baseball program.