By Gianni Martinez
A proud dad moment where PCC athletic director Ken Jacome takes a picture of daughters Alexandra Jacome (left) and Isabella Jacome (right). Photo by Gianni Martinez.
The Aztec women’s volleyball team hosted an alumni game at Pima Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. This game was a chance to welcome back the 2022 to 2023 season players in a three-round match. There was no real competition, but this game definitely had me on the edge of my seat.
It was a match made in volleyball heaven, full of fun and family. Sophomore Alexandra (Alex) Jacome (#4) and setter on the current 2025 to 2026 season team was playing up against her sister and PCC alumni, Isabella Jacome. Two setter sisters whose dad, the athletic director Ken Jacome, was watching closely in the stands.
I had the opportunity to chat with Jacome, who mentioned how proud he is having all three of his children attend and play at the collegiate level.
Regardless of the level they play or the amount of tension there may be when watching his daughters, he said, “This is more fun, it’s exciting for me to be able to watch both my daughters play against each other because they’ve never done that before.”
Both sisters grew up playing volleyball. The Jacome family moved here from New Mexico when Isabella graduated high school and Alexandra was still in middle school. While playing on different teams, these setter sisters still have that unwavering support from their dad on the sidelines.
“The best support I can give them is just by being here,” Jacome said. “It’s exciting for them to have their mom, dad and grandmother here to watch them play.”
After the game ended and Alex’s team took the win, I was curious to know what the dinner chat was going to be like that night.
“Bella already told Alex that we let you guys win so Dan wouldn’t yell at ya!” Jacome said.
The Pima women’s volleyball team is led by Dan Bithell, who’s had the pleasure of coaching both Alex and Bella. Two sisters, one iconic game, yet there’s still a sense of pressure knowing that dad’s watching close by.
With Alex, maybe not so much. However, Bella had a different perspective to bring.
“I always want to make my family proud, especially my dad and with him working here at Pima, I have to make a name for myself,” she said.
The sisterly dynamic has never changed. Both Alex and Bella have played sports since before they could walk but the age difference does mean the level of competition is slightly different. So while they share the same coach they may not have the same technique on the court. Alex goes on to say how she took what coach Dan told her to better improve herself.
“I never wanted to think that I was better than my sister,” she said.
It was never a competition between the two. In fact, Bella does pass down words of wisdom to her younger sister any chance she gets.
Words that will not only make a name but make a difference within their family and community here at PCC.
“Show up everyday and work hard. Work hard in everything you do and try your hardest,” Isabella said, adding to never forget to show up for the most important person, yourself.
“I really like having my older sister as an example for me, especially in the social part of it. She really sets a good example for me on and off the court,” Alex said.
After my conversation with the Jacome family I could really sense the support and love from all angles of the sidelines. From watching Ken Jacome pace back and forth on the court, to taking their picture and finally getting to chat with mom and grandma, the feeling of family was present.
Truly a phenomenal program and a wonderful sense of community that’ll shine through on every game night.
The Jacome Family. Photo by Gianni Martinez.