By Terra Avilla
Jake Phillips has many a name. Perhaps you know him as “Jaker”, “Coach Jake” or even “Mr. Phillips”. And if you are unfamiliar with this spectacular human being, let me advise you.
Jaker is the kind of person small towns hope will show up at 18 years old and never leave. Almost 10 years ago he showed up to play baseball for Frankie at Lassen College, and, somehow, years later, he is still here now teaching our kids, coaching our boys, and quietly building a life in Susanville as though he meant to do it all along.
Jake arrived at Lassen Community College as a pretty typical freshman ball player. Big dreams, small dorm room, a schedule built around practice, bus rides and the next series.
The difference is, when a lot of guys moved on, he stayed, swapping the “just passing through” mindset for roots, relationships, and a real investment in this community.
Somewhere between early morning lifts and late season road trips with the Hustlin’ Cougs, Susanville stopped being just a dot on a map and started being home. (Perhaps in large part to the local girl who stole his heart – Mia YOU are the real MVP.)
Jaker left briefly to continue his education before returning to Lassen as an educator. He Currently teaches at Diamond View, however before he landed at DV, Jake spent some time at Lassen High School, showing up in a classroom setting that very much needed his personality.
In both places, he has been that kind of educator parents want their kids to get… firm but fair, takes the job seriously but not himself, and can relate to them without trying too hard.
Now at Diamond View he fits right in, teaching in a way that makes it clear that he loves his students and is someone who genuinely tries to prepare kids for whatever comes next.
On the field, “Coach Jake” is in his element, coaching in the same program that helped shape him. He is that sweet spot between “I get what you are going through” and “no, you still have to run,” which every good college athlete secretly needs.
You will likely hear about the “46 brothers” who help raise my daughters if you have not already met them: the crew of Lassen baseball boys who have basically become built in big brothers. Coach Jaker is absolutely one of them: the kind of grownup who will coach them up, tease them just enough, and still make sure they feel safe and seen around the field and on campus.
Somewhere between ballgames and classrooms and community events, Jake met and married Mia, and now the Phillips last name is officially part of the local roll call. They are not just ‘living in Susanville.’ They are CHOOSING Susanville… showing up at games, supporting schools and building a life that fits right into the way this town works.
Their story is not some cheesy movie moment. It is the story of two good humans who came here, stayed here and keep pouring back into this place and its kids – and that is exactly why we love this place.
