The 2025 NWAC basketball championships are this weekend. Jamie Council caught up with Marco Azurdia, executive director of the Northwest Athletic Conference about the opportunities and experience junior college athletics provides to student athletes and the region.
While March Madness captures headlines nationwide, there’s another tournament right here in the Pacific Northwest that showcases passion, heart, and the true spirit of amateur athletics: the NWAC Basketball Championships, hosted at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.
For Marco Azurdia, Executive Director of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), this event is more than just crowning a champion — it’s about giving overlooked student-athletes a chance to shine.
“In community college or junior college athletics, our kids — many of them have to work, some have families, they go to school, and then they play the sport they love. That’s a lot to balance,” Azurdia said. “We provide an opportunity for those students if they’re not ready for the four-year level. Here’s the chance to get ready so that doors may open for them down the road.”
A Stepping Stone to Big Dreams
Azurdia knows the journey well. From coaching in California’s wine country to serving 20 years at Wenatchee Valley College — first as a women’s basketball coach, then as VP of Student Services — his passion for junior college athletics runs deep.
He believes NWAC schools offer something unique: a genuine focus on student development.
“Sometimes kids aren’t ready academically, athletically, or socially for a four-year university,” Azurdia explained. “We help them grow as people and players. And who knows what doors open then? Maybe their dream was Division I. But really, the big time is where you make it.”
He’s not wrong. NWAC alumni dot rosters at Division I programs across the country, with recent stars like MarJon Beauchamp now in the NBA and countless others thriving at universities nationwide.
A Championship Atmosphere in Pasco
The championship tournament, now in its third year at CBC’s Cheryl Holden Court, has become a destination in itself.
“This gymnasium complex is phenomenal. I’d say it’s probably top five in the Pacific Northwest for college campuses,” Azurdia said. “An unbelievable main court, hospitality rooms, media space, two practice gyms, weight facilities — and the people at CBC get it. They know what athletics mean for students and the community.”
The partnership has worked so well that NWAC recently signed a three-year contract to keep both the basketball and volleyball championships in Pasco.
“We’ve made a home here because you can’t beat the facility and you can’t beat the support,” Azurdia added.
Underdogs, Upsets, and Pure Passion
If you think this is just a quiet local bracket, think again. The tournament has become a breeding ground for thrilling upsets and Cinderella stories.
“The number one seed went down in the first round this year. Another game was won at the buzzer, and the last game of the night went to overtime,” Azurdia recounted. “That’s what makes it exciting. These kids lay it all on the line. They have hearts the size of giants and believe in their teammates and their dream.”
On the men’s side, powerhouse regions clash with physical, fast-paced play. On the women’s side, programs like Lane Community College and Walla Walla have become perennial contenders.
“Coach Greg Sheley at Lane is going for three titles in a row — maybe eight overall. That’s remarkable,” Azurdia said. “And Bobby Hazeltine at Walla Walla has done an amazing job for years. It’s great to have strong programs nearby with passionate fan support.”
Stories Beyond the Court
For Azurdia, the value of NWAC goes far beyond trophies.
He shared a favorite recent memory: cross-country runners being recruited right at the finish line.
“Our cross-country champions for the last two years were basically recruited right there after winning — and signed at four-year schools immediately. How cool is that?” he laughed. “These moments change lives.”
Another highlight? A soccer championship settled by 12 penalty kicks per side.
“How crazy is that? That experience alone gives these kids memories and stories forever. Maybe they never would’ve had that if they’d quit after high school.”
Growing Visibility, One Story at a Time
Despite the quality of competition, Azurdia acknowledges a tough reality: community college athletics rarely get mainstream media attention.
“In all frankness, we don’t get the coverage that high schools or four-year universities do. We’re often an afterthought,” he said. “But we can control what we do — so we’re pushing social media and podcasts to tell these stories. We have over a million followers now. That’s how we share what these student-athletes are achieving.”
See It for Yourself
Azurdia’s message is simple: come watch for yourself.
“Walk into CBC and you’ll be amazed by the facility. Then watch four men’s teams and four women’s teams give everything they have. You’ll be impressed,” he promised. “You’ll see talent, teamwork, and passion that deserve to be noticed.”
The NWAC Basketball Championships continue this weekend, with semifinals Saturday and championship games Sunday. Admission is open to the public, and fans are encouraged to come experience some of the best under-the-radar hoops in the Northwest.
Stay tuned for more local sports coverage every week on The Sports Council — Thursdays at 11:30 AM on 1340 ESPN Tri-Cities or anytime at 1340espnradio.com.