Powell High School graduate Jordan Loera is achieving a lifelong goal and keeping the same name across his chest at the next level, as the Powell Pioneer standout will compete for the NJCAA Miles Community College Pioneers next season.

A journey that started from a young age has materialized into an opportunity to compete at the next level for Loera, from T-ball all the way to playing for the Powell Pioneers ‘A’ team each of the past three seasons.

“I’ve just kind of been playing baseball my whole life,” Loera said. “I was always good at it, I always loved it and it just kind of grew on me. There’s a few times where I had ups and downs where I didn’t love the game as much, and there’s a few times where I almost gave up on it because I just wasn’t enjoying it. But I stuck with it, and it’s taking me further.”

Loera first saw action in a limited amount his sophomore year, playing four games for the Pioneers during their first championship run in 2023.

Last year during the Pioneer’s second state championship run, Loera saw a significant jump in playing time, playing in 54 of the team’s 65 games and taking advantage of the opportunities he was given.

That included an opportunity to pitch late in the state championship game against Cody, competing with one of the best teams that Powell has seen.

“It was just taking advantage of my opportunities, because we had a really good team last year. We had probably one of the best teams that the state has seen in a long time, and one of the best teams probably in Powell’s history I would say,” Loera said. “There were a lot of guys that helped me build my own confidence, and they helped me just improve my skills and everything. Those guys (the seniors) were really good mentors for me. It was a very difficult lineup to get into because there’s so many good guys. I just kind of took advantage of my opportunities when Jason [Borders] put me in, I just kind of made sure I made my mark when I could.”

During that junior season, Loera finished with a .295 batting average, adding an on base percentage of .441.

He took advantage of being the lone left handed batter in the Pioneers lineup, then used his speed once he got on base to advance around the bases.

Loera finished with 28 stolen bases, scoring 44 runs along with 19 RBIs.

On the mound he pitched 51 innings, recording a 6-2 record along with a 2.608 ERA and earning second team All-Conference honors in the ‘A’ West.

“I think my biggest thing is just my versatility,” Loera said. “I can play center field, play second base, shortstop, pitch. My speed definitely helps in the outfield and when it comes to turning little hits into singles … That’s also been a big thing in recruiting, it’s one of the biggest things that coaches have been interested in me for is my versatility.”

So far during his senior season Loera has added more power to his game at the plate, holding a .357 batting average while adding two home runs for the Pioneers.

“This year I’ve gained a little more power, I’ve been hitting the ball better,” Loera said. “(Hitting home runs) I think it just helps with my confidence. It helps knowing that I can do that and I can get hits off of some of the best guys in the state.”

Loera said his confidence has come a long way, starting with his coaches, Borders and Cory Ostermiller, helping prepare him for the big moments and building his confidence heading towards college.

“Last year, my biggest problem was just not having confidence in myself, especially at the ‘A’ level. I was kind of nervous a lot at the beginning of the year. The first couple times I pitched I didn’t really know if I was good enough, I didn’t know if I was ready,” Loera said. “They just kind of kept putting me in difficult places and situations where I wasn’t comfortable. They just kept doing it throughout the year and putting me in those situations. It helped prepare me for the rest of the year, especially the state championship. He (Borders) kind of told me when he put me in there, he was like, ‘this is yours, I’ve been preparing you all year for this.’”

Loera said that he had offers from all over the country, but chose to head to Miles due in large part to its proximity to home.

“At first I was kind of open to going anywhere, I just wanted an offer. But as I started getting more, I realized I kind of wanted to be closer to home, to my family and friends,” Loera said. “That’s one of the good things about Miles City, it’s probably the closest place there is to Powell and it’s just a really great program.”

He added that the staff was great and the program felt like a good fit for him.

Competing at that next level, Loera said that he will likely be in the outfield for the Pioneers, as they liked his speed but may also be able to remain versatile and see some time on the mound.

Loera said he hopes to get a wildlife degree as he enjoys being outdoors, but could see himself being an athletic trainer as well.

Miles City finished this past season with a 38-17 record, falling just short of its region championship game in the playoffs.

Even though he has signed, Loera said that he is still focused on finishing his career as a Powell Pioneer before taking that next step.

“I’m definitely looking forward to having a great season this year and there’s still work to be done,” Loera said. “Just because I signed doesn’t mean I’m going to be putting in any less work this year and making our team the best and competing for another state championship. Thank you to all my friends, family, coaches and God, everybody that’s helped me through this journey.”