Rising New Zealand baseball talent George McCarroll has officially committed to Cochise College in Arizona, joining one of the top junior college (JUCO) baseball programs in the United States.
McCarroll has played his entire career with the Hutt Valley Hornets, securing two national titles with the club. His impressive resume includes international experience at prestigious tournaments, including:
- Two Cal Ripken Tournaments
- Two DownUnder Travellers trips
- Junior Softball World Cup in Mexico
- DownUnder Travellers (July 2024)
- Puerto Rico (January 2025)
I’m excited to continue my baseball journey at Cochise College,” said McCarroll. “This opportunity allows me to grow as a player while competing at a high level in a respected program. I’m grateful to my family, coaches, and teammates for their support throughout my career.
George McCarroll
McCarroll’s recruitment personal statement.
Being from a country like New Zealand, where baseball isn’t well known, I have to work twice as hard to be given a chance at my dream. Playing collegiate baseball is a massive step in my journey, and I would be grateful for any opportunity that comes my way. My immediate goal is to play for a winning junior college, that has a great programme for it’s athlete’s. By doing this it gives me an opportunity to experience a high level of baseball, but also get confidence in the American programs. After two years of junior college, my vision and hope is for a scholarship to a D1/2 college.
Cochise College program overview.
Cochise College, located in Douglas, Arizona, has established itself as a formidable force in junior college baseball.Competing in the NJCAA Region I and the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC), the Apaches have a rich history of success and player development.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Todd Inglehart, who achieved his 900th career win in 2025, Cochise has consistently been a contender in regional and national competitions. The program boasts multiple NJCAA World Series appearances, including third-place finishes in 1989 and 2013, and a seventh-place finish in 2014.
Cochise’s commitment to excellence is evident in its production of talent. The program has seen 38 players drafted into Major League Baseball, with six reaching the majors. Notable alumni include Darick Hall, who made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, and Kevin Kouzmanoff, who had a successful career with multiple MLB teams.
The 2025 season was particularly noteworthy, with the Apaches finishing with a 42–14 overall record and a 23–13 mark in conference play. Nine players received All-ACCAC Conference and All-NJCAA Region I postseason honors, highlighting the depth and quality of the roster.
Cochise College’s baseball program stands as a testament to sustained excellence, offering players a platform to develop their skills and pursue opportunities at the next level.
