Class of 2025: Panthers Star Headed to University After Back-to-Back Titles

The “scholar baller” has no regrets. Edy Essien loved his time at Portland Community College.

Essien experienced an era of the PCC Panthers men’s basketball dominance marked by 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 Essien, the impact has extended far beyond the hardwood.

The guard embodies 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, Essien will graduate with an associate degree and further a college career full of promise.

A Hillsboro native and Century High School graduate, Essien grew up watching PCC games. 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 PCC basketball on a bigger stage.

“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