Roman Martinez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier College Prep for AZPreps365.com. 

Bradley Downes, Xavier College Preparatory’s varsity softball head coach, has had much success with his squad over the years and his tactics and control of the dugout have earned the respect of players and fans alike. 

Over the course of his coaching career, Downes remained consistent, including instructing travel ball for 21 years in the Valley. His lengthy resume has proved what’s needed to succeed at the 6A level. 

Prior to his hiring at Xavier, Bradley was at Horizon Honors High School from 2009-2018, working with both the baseball and softball teams. Due to a busy work schedule, Bradley had to step down as head coach for a year. That’s when Xavier Prep came calling and offered Downes an assistant coaching position. 

Thoroughly enjoying the school and the student-athletes, Downes accepted the role. The following year, Carrie Markham decided to step down as head coach to pursue her pitching instruction business full-time and Downes was asked to take over the program.

He hasn’t looked back since. 

“Mr. Downes brings tremendous high school coaching experience and softball club involvement to Xavier's softball program,” said athletic director Sister Lynn Winsor.

Being the school with the most state titles in Arizona's history, pressure undoubtedly strikes the various coaches on campus. However, leading the Gators to two state titles in his six years shows that Downes has done an exceptional job of retaining a winning culture at Xavier.

Spreading his methodologies to many within the group has effectively led to the growth of those around him.

“I’ve been coaching with him for over 10 years now and with me being so young and him being in it for so long, I can’t even begin to explain all the things I’ve learned from him,” said assistant coach Deryk Sexton.

Moreover, Coach Downes’s impact extends far beyond the diamond. He is a pillar of support for his players, offering a listening ear and words of encouragement both on and off the field. He knows that the lessons learned through softball – resilience, dedication, and the importance of community will serve his players well long after they hang up their cleats.

As for what sets XCP apart from the rest is Downes's commitment and contribution toward allowing youth to constantly get better at whatever they do.

“I think what we emphasize here not only in the classroom but in athletics is the message about women of faith pursuing excellence. And so it's a really good standard to pursue and it's fun because I have kids that very much subscribe to that concept," Downes said.

Game after game, he stands tall, his heart brimming with pride for all that his team has accomplished so far. To Downes, coaching isn't just a job. It's a calling, a chance to inspire and empower the next generation to achieve all they possibly can.