Vanguard University

Jorge Araiza begins his coaching career in 2010 as the infield and first-base coach for the Lions. As a member of the VU coaching staff, Araiza is reunited with Head Coach Ralph Grajeda once again. Araiza was the starting second basemen for  Saddleback College's 2004 State Championship squad, where Grajeda was an assistant coach. No stranger to success, Jorge has been a winner everywhere he has played. The SC team he was a member of not only won the '04 State Championship, but was also runner-up for the State Title in 2003.  Araiza garnered second-team All-Orange Empire for his play at Saddleback. After his playing days as a Gaucho, Araiza saw success at the NCAA level as he attended Chico State to where the Wildcats reached back to back DII College World Series appearances in 2005 and 2006 for Head Coach Lindsay Meggs.

Upon graduation from Chico State, Araiza began his professional career playing for the Long Beach Armada of the Golden League, Indios de Cempoala, and Gavilianes de Minatitlan of the Vera Cruzan Winter Leagues in 2007. More recently, Araiza finished playing for the Kalamazoo Kings (2008) and the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League in 2009. Throughout his professional career, Araiza maintained a .284 batting avg. in 650 professional at-bats with 41 doubles, 11 home runs and 106 RBI, while fielding at .971 clip. As a member of the Ecuadorian National Team, he was named MVP in the South American Pre-Olympic Qualifier, batting .411 in the six games held in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

"Jorge is a bright and determined individual," Grajeda proudly says. "This was evident in his playing days and now as a coach. He leaves no stone unturned when teaching his infielders."