PJC softball team has All-American honors, national recognition

The Paris Junior College 2024-2025 softball team wrapped up a season for the history books with a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournament (NJCAA) and a cascade of national accolades, including five National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American selections and multiple honors for star catcher Gabriela Sosa.

This powerhouse squad not only claimed the Region XIV Championship and set program records but also made its mark on the national stage.

All-American Honors:

NJCAA First Team All-American

• Gabriela Sosa – Catcher

NFCA All-Americans

First Team:

• Gabriela Sosa – Catcher
• Sofia Hollingsworth – Second Base
• Jessica Battiste – Third Base

Second Team:

• Christi McGuire – Outfield
• Hadison Fults – Utility/Pitcher

NFCA Catcher of the Year:

• Gabriela Sosa

Season Highlights:

• National Tournament Appearance: Advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament, showcasing PJC's talent on the national level.
• Record-Breaking Wins: Finished the season 50-11; the most wins in program history.
• Offensive Dominance: Led the nation with 106 home runs and ranked fourth in the country with 497 RBIs.
• Academic Excellence: Posted a 3.95 team GPA, the highest ever for PJC Softball.
• Historic Individual Season: Gabriela Sosa became the NJCAA all-time home run leader (41), was named Region XIV and Conference Player of the Year, crowned PJC Homecoming Queen, and earned both NJCAA and NFCA First Team All-American honors — along with the title of NFCA Catcher of the Year.
• Well-Rounded Recognition: 21 players were honored as NFCA Scholar-Athletes.
• Staff Recognition: Coaching staff named NFCA Midwest Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.

"These young women have put in the work, day in and day out, and it's an incredible feeling to see that dedication recognized at the highest levels," said Head Coach Shelby Shelton. "Making it to the national tournament, setting program records, and producing five All-Americans — it's a season we'll never forget."

For more on the Lady Dragons' historic season, visit pjcathletics.com.