Class of 2025: Two Panthers stars headed to universities after back-to-back titles
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by Ric Getter.
From left, Jamie McGrail and Edy Essien.
The “scholar ballers” have no regrets. They loved their time at Portland Community College.
This era of the PCC Panthers men’s basketball dominance has been defined by three things — discipline, drive and back-to-back Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Southern Region titles.
PCC made it to the final four of the conference in 2024 and the elite eight this year. But for two student-athletes, the impact has extended far beyond the hardwood.
Guards Edy Essien and Jamie McGrail have embodied the true spirit of being scholar athletes, guiding the men’s basketball team to two consecutive NWAC Southern Region championships in 2024 and 2025 while excelling in the classroom. Now, both will graduate with associate degrees and possess futures full of promise.
Edy Essien: Full-Circle Focus
A Hillsboro native, Essien grew up watching PCC games. This year, he helped write a winning chapter in the program’s history. He plans to transfer to Division II Western Oregon University to study computer science and continue his basketball journey.
He’s proud to have represented Portland basketball on a bigger stage. As a native Oregonian, it means a lot to represent this region and show that talent here runs deep, he said.
Edy Essien.
“It’s a full-circle moment to have watched alumni from this area excel on and off the court, while doing my best to do the same,” said Essien, who sports a 3.45 grade-point average.
A Computer Information Systems major, he will graduate with an associate degree and a certificate in Python Programming. He made the Dean’s List and earned tuition support through the Terwilliger Plaza Foundation Award from OHSU and PCC athletic waivers.
“I’ve had a background in computers, but it just took me some time to figure out the right path through trial and error,” Essien said. “I’m striving for a future in IT—maybe helpdesk, software engineering or cybersecurity.”
Essien credits a tight-knit support network for helping him thrive at PCC. He also found a strong foundation in the classroom and through campus life. Whether on the court or in the lab, Essien’s outlook reflects a thoughtful resilience.
“Through this three-year journey, I had an unreal support system in my family, friends and mentors. It truly takes a village,” he said. “PCC taught me perseverance and discipline. I knew I was capable, but it took time to believe it myself. There were plenty of obstacles. Mostly, I was just trying to get out of my own way and embrace new things,” he said.
Jamie McGrail: Global Perspective, Local Impact
For sophomore point guard Jamie McGrail, PCC was the springboard to academic and athletic success far from home.
Originally from Gibraltar, a small British territory on the southern coast of Spain, McGrail relocated to Portland and embraced life in the city’s downtown. His biggest highlight? Helping PCC clinch two Southern Region titles and being awarded the 2025 NWAC All-Defensive Team.
“Winning back-to-back region titles has been my best achievement since moving to America,” said McGrail. “It showed me I could seriously compete at this level.”
Jamie McGrail.
McGrail has juggled a full academic load with a heavy practice schedule, earning a 3.42 GPA. He’s landed on the Dean’s List twice and the President’s List once while carrying 17 credits per term.
This summer, he’ll graduate with a transfer degree and plans to major in environmental studies and play for Division III Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.
“Environmental science has always been a passion of mine,” McGrail said. “Growing up by the ocean, I’ve wanted to preserve and protect the Earth. I hope to become an environmental engineer.”
McGrail’s journey has been marked by resilience. Living far from family posed emotional challenges, especially with the time difference limiting communication.
Support from PCC’s Office of International Student Services helped ease the transition. The welcoming staff helped him with every step of the transfer process and he considered the Athletics Department to be his second family.
“Living so far from home was one of the biggest obstacles. At times, I felt isolated,” McGrail said. “So many people of understanding and substance helped me through everything. It wouldn’t have been possible without their unconditional support.
“I especially want to thank coaches Cameron Mitchell, 2025 NWAC Coach of the Year, and Brendan Richards for believing in me,” he continued. “And a big thank you to everyone in the athletics department—you’ve made these two years unforgettable.”
Leaving a Legacy
Essien and McGrail may be heading in different directions this fall, one to tech, the other to environmental science, but they are united by their time as Panthers. They have proven that it is possible to lead on the court while excelling in academics.
2025 Commencement
Thousands of PCC grads will be honored as part of the class of 2025. The college’s commencement ceremony takes place at 7 p.m., Friday, June 13 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum where thousands of newly minted graduates will celebrate their degrees and certificates with family and friends.
“Edy and Jamie are true definitions of the term student-athlete,” said PCC Athletic Director Tony Broadous. “On the court, they were strong performers and played key roles in leading our team to back-to-back regional championships. Off the court, they excelled in the classroom, consistently balancing the demanding responsibilities of academics and athletics, with incredible focus and determination. Another key point is that neither of these students would have chosen to attend our college if it weren’t for the opportunity to participate in athletics, further illustrating the vital role sports play at PCC.” ?
These player-athletes agree.
“PCC’s value lies in the community you choose to make for yourself,” said Essien. “The instructors have your best interest at heart, and the people you meet often share your background or values. There’s always common ground.”
McGrail concurs and added, “PCC is catered to you as students—you just have to buy into the community. Make the most of every opportunity.”
For more information on PCC’s athletics, visit the program’s homepage.