Blazer Stories
When Joel Thomas Bagley suits up for the JWCC Blazers on the soccer field, few would guess that the same student-athlete has spent his summers working behind the scenes at one of the most iconic sporting events in the world—Wimbledon. From the community college classrooms and turf fields of Quincy to the historic lawns of the All-England Club, Joel’s story is one of international ambition, gratitude, and Trailblazer spirit.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Joel came to John Wood Community College for a chance to grow both academically and athletically. Drawn by the opportunities to compete in collegiate soccer while pursuing his education, JWCC became the perfect place to bridge his talents with his aspirations.
“Coming to JWCC has been a great experience,” Joel shared. “It’s a close-knit community where I’ve been able to focus on soccer, school, and building toward my future.”
As a forward on the JWCC men’s soccer team, Joel has proven himself as a dedicated teammate and hard worker on the field. But his summers are anything but traditional.
Each year, Joel returns home to England where he takes on a prestigious seasonal role at Wimbledon—the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. There, he splits his time between working in the gift shop and assisting with the grounds crew.
“It’s an incredible environment,” Joel said. “Being part of something as iconic as Wimbledon is surreal. I’ve even met Zendaya, Sandra Bullock and Hugh Jackman while working in the shop.”
The hiring process for Wimbledon is highly selective. Applicants must go through a rigorous, anonymized process designed to ensure fairness and inclusion. After applying online, candidates are evaluated based on how well they align with the tournament’s core values: Heritage, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.
Interviews follow, often centered on competency-based questions that require thoughtful, structured responses. Joel’s success in securing the position—multiple years in a row—speaks volumes about his professionalism and adaptability.
“You have to show that you embody Wimbledon’s values,” Joel explained. “They want more than experience. They want character and dedication.”
Joel attributes much of his determination to his biggest role model—his mother.
“She gave up her acting career to raise me as a single parent, and she’s managed to restart her career while raising four kids. She’s supported us in everything—acting, modeling, school—you name it. She’s taught me resilience and how to chase opportunities.”
When it comes to tennis, Joel names Andy Murray as his all-time favorite player.
“He made tennis big in the UK. He showed people like me what was possible, and he did it with class.”
Though he’s not sure where his career will take him after JWCC, Joel is confident that both his experiences on the field and at Wimbledon are shaping his future.
“I’ve learned how to work with people from all over the world, how to stay calm in fast-paced environments, and how to adapt—whether I’m on a soccer pitch or serving thousands of fans at a major global event.”
With plans to keep growing, Joel is grateful for the opportunity to study in the U.S. and credits JWCC for helping him succeed both on and off the field.
Joel’s advice for other students? “Take the leap. Even if it’s scary or far from home, amazing things can happen when you put yourself out there.”
From Quincy to Centre Court, Joel Bagley is living proof that community college students can reach world stages—one goal, one serve, and one opportunity at a time.