Jamarcus Wilson Turns His Central Penn Opportunity into a Division I Future

Jamarcus Wilson recently stepped away from the 102-degree Texas heat and a steamy baseball field to talk about the lifelong passion that continues to shape his future.

That dedication has earned the former Central Penn College standout an opportunity to continue his college baseball career at Mississippi Valley State University. Wilson will compete at the NCAA Division I level while continuing to pursue his biggest dream: playing professional baseball.

His journey from Texas to Central Pennsylvania and now Division I baseball has been shaped by hard work, family inspiration and a Central Penn coach who helped him turn his potential into opportunity.

Inspired by His Grandfather’s Resilience

Wilson credits two people with helping him reach this point: his grandfather, Charles Armstead, and Central Penn baseball coach Chaz Stevens.

Armstead served in the U.S. Army before being shot while serving in Iraq. The injury ultimately led to the amputation of his leg, but it did not diminish his determination or end his love for athletics.

Instead, Armstead represented Team USA in wheelchair basketball and softball. He competed through the Invictus Games and showed that obstacles can become opportunities.

Watching his grandfather rebuild his life taught Wilson lessons that applied far beyond the baseball diamond.

Through his grandfather’s participation in Invictus events, Wilson also had the opportunity to meet well-known figures including John Cena, Michelle Obama and Morgan Freeman. Those experiences gave him an early look at what can happen when people continue striving toward something greater.

His grandfather’s resilience encouraged Wilson to set ambitious goals of his own and never stop working toward them.

Finding an Opportunity at Central Penn College

Wilson grew up in Killeen, Texas, a community with deep military roots. Both of his parents also served in the military.

That environment helped him develop a work ethic that matched his competitive spirit and natural athletic ability.

When it was time to attend college, Wilson traveled nearly 1,500 miles from Texas to Central Penn College in Enola, Pennsylvania. He pursued a degree in Business Administration while becoming one of the most versatile players on the Knights baseball team.

Coach Stevens played an important role in bringing Wilson to Central Pennsylvania. Wilson was drawn to the coach’s style, goals and vision for the baseball program.

At Central Penn, Wilson found an opportunity to compete, continue his education and build momentum toward the next level of his athletic career.

“Coach Stevens always had my back,” Wilson said. “He’s a great coach and adviser who opened so many doors for me.”

Making an Impact for the Knights

Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, Wilson played first base, third base and wherever else the Knights needed him.

His athleticism produced some of the most memorable moments of the 2026 season. He stole home during the championship game and hit an inside-the-park grand slam.

His talent and versatility helped Central Penn complete a historic 25-6 season, win its fourth consecutive Eastern States Athletic Conference Championship and advance to the USCAA Small College World Series in DuBois, Pennsylvania.

The Knights entered the national tournament as the No. 10 seed and had the opportunity to compete on a national stage.

Wilson embraced his role as a utility player throughout the season. He contributed at several positions and did whatever the team needed to succeed.

He also credits his Central Penn teammates for helping him improve. Their talent, encouragement and daily competition pushed him to raise his own level of play.

At Central Penn, athletics became more than an opportunity to compete. It became a pathway to greater opportunities.

Baseball as a Lifestyle

Baseball has been part of Wilson’s life for as long as he can remember. He believes he first began playing when he was four years old.

Since then, the sport has become a central part of his identity.

“I can’t even quantify how many hours I practice,” Wilson said. “This is a lifestyle.”

That commitment helped carry him from youth baseball in Texas to Central Penn College and now to Mississippi Valley State University.

This summer, Wilson will trade the Knights’ maroon and orange for the green, red and white of the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils.

Reaching Division I baseball is a major milestone, but Wilson does not view it as the end of his journey.

His ultimate goal remains playing professional baseball.

“It’s everything to me,” Wilson said. “It’s my number one goal.”

Beyond his own playing career, Wilson hopes to remain connected to the sport by becoming a coach and mentoring future generations of players.

More Than Athletic Talent

Wilson’s journey also reflects an important lesson for young student-athletes.

Talent may create opportunities, but academic preparation helps keep those opportunities open.

When asked what advice he would give athletes who hope to follow a similar path, Wilson did not focus on batting averages, strength or speed.

“Grades. Grades. They definitely matter,” he said. “You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the grades, those opportunities can disappear.”

It is a lesson that helped Wilson move from Texas to Pennsylvania and now to Division I baseball.

His experience demonstrates what can happen when athletic talent is supported by education, discipline, strong relationships and a willingness to keep working.

From Potential to Division I

Wilson arrived at Central Penn with ambition and a dream.

He leaves with championship experience, national tournament appearances, stronger academic and professional skills and an opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

His story reflects the role Central Penn College can play in the lives of student-athletes. They come to compete, but they also come to earn a degree, prepare for a career and build a future that lasts beyond their final season.

For Jamarcus Wilson, the dream of professional baseball is still very much alive.

And he is determined to keep chasing it.