Jimmy Gutierrez, Head Softball Coach, is a seasoned coach whose journey in athletics and faith-driven mentorship spans over two decades. He holds a Hazardous Materials/Fire Science Certificate from Phoenix College and a degree in Behavioral Health/Social Work from Arizona State University, blending his expertise in service with his passion for coaching. Coach Gutierrez’s coaching career began at 25, coaching high school wrestling while working with at-risk youth at Arizona Boys Ranch, where he saw sports as a powerful tool for empowerment and sharing Christ’s strength. A former Golden Glove boxer and 2005 interviewee for ESPN’s “The Contender,” Gutierrez entered the boxing ring wearing a cross and a “Won by One” logo to glorify Christ. At 35, prompted by his wife and daughters—then 10 and 11—he began coaching softball, a pivot that became his calling. For 20 years, he coached his three daughters, now 30, 29,-when all became record-holding college players at Division I and II universities. When Gutierrez thought his chance to lead a college program had passed, a call from Nelson University’s Athletic Director offered him the opportunity to start the Warrior softball program. After prayerful consideration with his wife, he embraced the role, seeing it as a continuation of his lifelong mission to coach for Christ. Gutierrez’s coaching philosophy centers on treating each player as a valued individual, “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Christ. He fosters a Christ-centered environment through post-practice prayers, pre-game devotions, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Bible studies, ensuring players stay grounded in faith while developing their unique abilities. His approach emphasizes love, respect, and treating players like daughters of Christ, with a focus on their personal and spiritual growth.Gutierrez’s journey was shaped by the loss of his youngest sister, a softball player, in a car accident at 21. Her love for butterflies became a symbol of her life, and Gutierrez sees butterflies as divine reminders of his calling to coach softball—a ministry reinforced when his youngest daughter, born on his sister’s birthday and carrying her name, Andrea, joined him as a coach. His coaching career includes 15 years as a travel ball coach, serving as President and Head Coach of Arizona Legacy, Arizona Outlaws/Outlaws Gold, and Arizona Hotshots/Hotshots Gold. He spent 12 seasons at the collegiate level, including eight seasons as an assistant to Nick Candrea at Paradise Valley Community College (NJCAA), two seasons as an assistant and one as Interim Head Coach at Arizona Christian University (NAIA), and now his first season as Head Coach at Nelson University (NCCAA) in 2024-2025. Coach Gutierrez views his role as a divine calling, sharing with players across the U.S. that their paths crossing is no accident, but a testament to God’s plan.