JOE WILLS

Joe Wills is the founder of California Pitching Academy and one of Southern California’s most accomplished pitching instructors. A graduate of Covina High School, Wills continued his playing career at Rio Hondo College under legendary coach Mike Salazar. During his time with the Roadrunners, he earned First Team All-Conference honors twice and capped off his career by being named the 2016 3C2A California State Pitcher of the Year, earning a Gold Glove Award, leading the state in strikeouts, and receiving First Team All-American recognition. He then transferred to Cal State Fullerton to play under Rick Vanderhook, where he won five games as a starter and helped the Titans reach the 2017 Men’s College World Series. Wills also competed in collegiate summer baseball with the Alaska Goldpanners and Rochester Honkers.

Following his playing career, Wills entered the coaching ranks, serving as Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Rio Hondo College from 2018–2022 before joining Mt. San Antonio College as Pitching Coach from 2023–2026. He helped lead the Mounties to the 2025 3C2A State Championship while developing numerous Division I transfers and professional players.

In 2018, Wills founded California Pitching Academy, growing the program from a single athlete into one that has impacted well over 500 players ranging from 8U youth baseball to the professional level. His coaching philosophy blends modern analytics, elite player development, and proven fundamentals, drawing inspiration from mentors John Savage (UCLA), Jason Dietrich (Cal State Fullerton), and Blake Hawksworth (Oklahoma State), whose influence continues to shape his approach to developing complete pitchers both on and off the field.