A look at the people whose connection to CMU extends far beyond their time as student-athletes
Willie Hinojosa’s pathway to Maverick softball is more unusual than many coaches within the sport. The CMU alumnus was once a part of the powerhouse baseball program as an athlete but now serves as an assistant coach for the softball team. Hinojosa is a former All-American shortstop for the Mavericks, who joined the softball coaching staff in 2021. Today, Hinojosa looks forward to impacting his student-athletes' lives as much as they impact his own.
In 2002, Hinojosa first stepped onto then-Mesa State’s campus after beginning his collegiate baseball career at the junior college level. The Watsonville, California, native played under CMU alumnus and coach Dan Teresa at Hartnell College in Salinas, California. Hinojosa’s summer league coach, Dave Holt, had coached current CMU baseball head coach Chris Hanks in the Boston Red Sox organization. Those connections reassured Hinojosa that he was meant to be a Maverick.
During his time at CMU, Hinojosa earned Second Team National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association honors, Third Team American Baseball Coaches Association honors, First Team All-RMAC honors and All-West Region honors. CMU also won an RMAC title and even hosted its first regional tournament while he was on the team. Hinojosa graduated from CMU in 2005 with his degree in exercise science.
“Being a student-athlete at CMU (Mesa State) is one of the most gratifying life experiences for me,” said Hinojosa. “During my three years here as a student-athlete, I formed lifelong memories and friends.”
After graduating from CMU, Hinojosa worked for Mesa County Valley School District 51 as a student center coordinator, while coaching baseball and softball at Palisade High School. In 2017, Hinojosa moved back to California to pursue his first collegiate coaching position before moving back to Grand Junction.
“My coaching style is simple. I demand excellence and purpose with everything you do on and off the field,” said Hinojosa. “That requires energy, effort, hard work and dedication to you. Developing people first, we are people first, athlete second.”
Hinojosa has cemented himself as a prominent example of what it means to be a Maverick. The CMU alumnus was once playing under the lights but now mentors his athletes to not just be great athletes, but amazing people. Hinojosa has been a part of very successful Maverick seasons, but he continuously looks to grow as a coach and give back to the community.
“I was given the opportunity to give back to a community that helped shape me for who I am today,” said Hinojosa. “I’m proud to be a MAV alum and I am super grateful to be able to represent this university every day through athletics. I can always count and lean on my forever Maverick family.”
CMU athletics is rooted in tradition, legacy and community. More than two decades after arriving on campus as a student-athlete, Hinojosa remains committed to the university that helped shape his life. For Hinojosa, being a Maverick is about more than winning and championships. It is about investing in people, giving back to the community that helped him grow and ensuring the next generation of student-athletes leaves CMU better prepared for life beyond the game.