Jeffrey Powell has been named the new head coach of the men's and women's cross country programs at Paradise Valley Community College. A passionate educator and accomplished distance running coach, Powell brings extensive experience building successful, student-centered cross country and track & field programs focused on competitive excellence, personal growth, and student success.
Previously having served as the head coach for Cross Country and Track & Field at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Powell led both boys' and girls' programs to sustained competitive success at the state level while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, inclusion, consistency, and personal growth. Powell joined Cactus Shadows in 2020, and oversaw all aspects of the cross country and track & field programs, including training design, meet strategy, staff leadership, budgeting, fundraising, and athlete development. Under his leadership, the girls cross country team earned AIA Division II State finishes of 5th in 2023, 3rd in 2024, and 5th in 2025, while also capturing back-to-back Division II East Section Championships in 2024 and 2025. In track & field, he guided the girls team to an AIA Division III Runner-Up finish in 2025.
Powell's coaching philosophy centers on creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, personally, and athletically. An avid lifelong runner, he believes in the transformational lessons learned through training, competition, teamwork, and perseverance. His programs emphasize strong relationships, enjoyment of the process, and the development of confidence through commitment and shared effort.
Prior to relocating to Arizona, Powell spent several years developing programs at Village Academy in Powell, OH, where he helped re-establish the school's middle school and high school cross country programs. He grew participation significantly, fielded the school's first scoring high school teams, established the Griffin Open XC Invitational, and helped mentor multiple collegiate runners, including athletes who competed at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels.
In addition to his coaching background, Powell founded and served as President and head coach of the Village Running Club, a USATF-certified club that promoted year-round running opportunities for youth, adults, and masters athletes of all experience levels.
Powell earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio State University and holds numerous coaching certifications, including NFHS Coach Level 3 accreditation and USATF membership. He remains deeply committed to helping student-athletes discover their potential and carry the lessons learned through sport into all aspects of life.
