When it comes to finding the right fit for your son’s baseball future, Ottawa University-Arizona should be on your radar. I had the privilege of both playing for and coaching under Coach Tim Montez at the Division 1 level, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for his approach to developing players. With Coach Montez at the helm, OUAZ is quickly rising through the ranks, and 2024 was their best season in program history!

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Playing at the incredible Surprise Stadium (also home to MLB Spring Training), your son would get the experience of a lifetime while learning from one of the best in the business. Let’s dive into why OUAZ might be the perfect fit for your son’s journey!

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‍Ottawa University – Arizona (OUAZ) Overview‍

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‍Location: Surprise, Arizona‍‍

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‍Founded: 1865 (main campus in Kansas); Arizona campus established in 2017

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‍Type: Private, Christian University‍‍

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‍Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students:

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‍Academic Programs: OUAZ offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with strong focuses in business, education, exercise science, biology, and sports management. The university emphasizes small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a Christ-centered approach to education, encouraging students to develop their faith while excelling academically.

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‍Ottawa University-Arizona Baseball Program‍

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‍Conference: NAIA – Great Southwest Athletic Conference

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‍Head Coach: Tim Montez‍

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‍Stadium: Surprise Stadium Complex, also the Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.

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‍Recent Success

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• Record-Breaking 2024 Season: In 2024, the OUAZ baseball team enjoyed the most successful season in program history, finishing with a 35-19 record. The team earned its first-ever NAIA Opening Round Regional Bid, further solidifying its place as a rising power in NAIA baseball. The Spirit also made a deep postseason run, building momentum for future success.

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• Conference Championship Appearances: In 2021, the Spirit were GSAC East Division Champions and competed for the conference championship, a milestone in the early years of the program. The team has grown significantly since then, continuing to push toward NAIA World Series appearances under Coach Montez’s leadership.

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‍Head Coach Tim Montez‍

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‍Coaching Background:

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• 38 years of coaching experience, including 25 years at the NCAA Division I level.

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• Program Builder: Montez was named the first coach in OUAZ baseball history in 2017, quickly building the program into a conference contender. In his first year, Montez led the team to the NCCAA World Series. In 2021, the Spirit won the GSAC East Division, and in 2024, they reached the NAIA Opening Round Regional for the first time.

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• Career Highlights:

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• 9 NCAA Regional Appearances

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• Coached numerous MLB players, including stars like Barry Zito, Russ Ortiz, Michael Young, Daniel Murphy, and Matt Garza.

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• Named GSAC Coach of the Year in 2021 and NCCAA West Region Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2021.

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‍Surprise Stadium Complex

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Location: Surprise, Arizona‍

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Features:

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• Professional Atmosphere: The Spirit baseball team plays and practices at the Surprise Stadium Complex, which is also the spring training home for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. This professional-grade stadium provides a unique environment for college athletes, offering access to fields, batting cages, and bullpen mounds that are regularly used by MLB players.

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• Seating Capacity: The stadium has a capacity of over 10,500, creating an electric game-day experience for both players and fans.

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• High-Level Facilities: The facilities at Surprise Stadium include updated locker rooms, video rooms, strength and conditioning areas, and team meeting spaces, all designed to help players develop their skills to the fullest.

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Description:‍

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Playing at Surprise Stadium offers OUAZ players a professional-grade baseball environment rarely available to NAIA programs. This access to world-class facilities helps the Spirit develop competitive players ready to make their mark on the field.‍

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Baseball Facilities

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• Indoor Training Facilities: The OUAZ baseball program has access to indoor batting cages and pitching tunnels, providing players with the opportunity to train year-round regardless of weather conditions.

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• Strength and Conditioning Facility: OUAZ boasts a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facility dedicated to maximizing athletic performance and supporting player development, with professional strength coaches like Rob Hernandez leading training programs.

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• Player Development: Head Coach Tim Montez emphasizes fundamentals, conditioning, and mental toughness, while the comprehensive facilities ensure that players are prepared to compete at the highest level.

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‍Academics at Ottawa University-Arizona

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Rankings: OUAZ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a Christ-centered, personalized academic experience for students.‍

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Notable Programs:

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• Business Administration and Sports Management are some of the university’s most popular programs, preparing students for leadership roles in the business and sports industries.

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• Exercise Science: Offers concentrations in coaching, personal training, and pre-allied health, making it a popular choice for student-athletes.

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• Education: A well-established program for students looking to enter the field of teaching, with various specializations in elementary, secondary, and special education.‍

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Academic Support for Student-Athletes: OUAZ emphasizes a balance between academics and athletics, providing resources like tutoring, study halls, and academic advisors to ensure student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.‍

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Camps and Upcoming Events

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Camps: OUAZ has scheduled baseball camps on November 17-18 and December 14-15, 2024, offering high school players the chance to showcase their skills in front of the coaching staff while learning from one of the fastest-growing NAIA baseball programs. These camps provide a great opportunity for players to improve their skills and get noticed by the OUAZ staff.

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‍Conclusion

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‍Ottawa University-Arizona is quickly becoming a force in NAIA baseball under the leadership of Head Coach Tim Montez. With the best season in program history in 2024 and access to professional-grade facilities at Surprise Stadium, OUAZ offers student-athletes a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while receiving top-notch training. Academically, OUAZ’s commitment to personal growth, faith, and academic excellence ensures that students are prepared for life beyond the field.

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To your son's success,

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Alex Swenson