NJC Athletics: Achieving Greatness on the Playing Surface and in the Classroom
At Northeastern Junior College, success is measured by more than wins, championships, and postseason appearances. While athletic achievement remains a proud tradition, NJC's greatest accomplishment may be its unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The 2025-26 academic year showcased what makes NJC Athletics special: student-athletes who compete at the highest levels while excelling in the classroom.
Across all sports, NJC Athletics posted an impressive 3.25 cumulative department GPA with 189 student athletes. The department produced 98 Region IX Academic student-athletes, 65 NJCAA Academic All-Americans, and an incredible 23 student-athletes who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. Additionally, seven of NJC's ten athletic programs received All-Region Academic Team honors, demonstrating that academic achievement is a cornerstone of the Plainsmen and Plainswomen experience.
The NJC volleyball team enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in program history. The Plainswomen captured the Region IX South Championship before winning the Region IX Tournament Championship and advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament, where they finished third in the nation.
The team's accomplishments extended far beyond the court. Volleyball produced 10 All-Region Academic student-athletes and six NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Three of those Academic All-Americans maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. Under the leadership of Region IX Coach of the Year Mackenzie Nelson, the volleyball program demonstrated that excellence in competition and excellence in the classroom go hand in hand
The women's soccer program experienced tremendous growth both academically and athletically. The Plainswomen earned 12 Region IX Academic honors and produced 10 NJCAA Academic All-Americans, including four student-athletes who achieved a 4.0 GPA.
The program also enjoyed its largest roster in recent years, a testament to the recruiting efforts and leadership of Head Coach Josh Burton. His commitment to bringing talented student-athletes to NJC has positioned the program for continued success on the field and in the classroom.
The men's soccer team also enjoyed a strong academic year, earning 14 Region IX Academic honors and producing 10 NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Four of those student athletes maintained perfect 4.0 GPAs.
Head Coach James Westfield worked tirelessly to build a competitive program, and although the Plainsmen narrowly missed the playoffs by a single game, the team's academic achievements and competitive spirit reflect the culture being built within the program.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Vern Harbart, the women's golf program continues to move in a positive direction. Two student-athletes earned All-Region Academic honors, and Coach Harbart has assembled a talented and competitive roster that promises an exciting future for the Plainswomen.
The men's golf team also represented NJC with distinction. The program earned one All-Region Academic honor and one NJCAA Academic All-American. Additionally, two Plainsmen qualified for and competed in the NJCAA National Golf Tournament in Kansas, highlighting the program's ability to compete on the national stage.
The women's basketball program continued its tradition of academic success by producing nine All-Region Academic student-athletes and six NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Three members of the team achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs.
Head Coach Bronson Moton remains committed to recruiting and developing outstanding student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom, ensuring the program's tradition of success continues.
The men's basketball team enjoyed a championship season, winning the Region IX South and earning the opportunity to host the Region IX Tournament.
The Plainsmen also excelled academically, earning five All-Region Academic honors and four NJCAA Academic All-Americans. The team's success was highlighted by Region IX Coach of the Year honors for Coach Trenkle and South Player of the Year recognition for Ethan Carter.
The baseball program led NJC Athletics in academic honors while also enjoying tremendous success on the field. The Plainsmen earned 27 Region IX Academic honors and produced 14 NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Six student athletes achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs.
On the diamond, the team captured the regular-season championship and advanced to the District Tournament. Head Coach Andrew Kachel's leadership earned him Region IX Coach of the Year honors, capping off an outstanding season for the program.
The softball program also enjoyed an outstanding year both on the field and in the classroom. The Plainswomen earned 12 Region IX Academic honors and produced 10 NJCAA Academic All-Americans. Two student athletes achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs, reflecting the program's commitment to academic excellence. On the field, the Plainswomen advanced to the Region IX Tournament Championship, finishing as tournament runner-up after an impressive season. Under the outstanding leadership of Head Coach Jenny Smock and Assistant Coach Shane Gertner, the program continued to build a culture centered on hard work, accountability, and success. Their commitment to developing well-rounded student athletes helped the team achieve excellence in competition while also excelling in the classroom.
The wrestling program continued to represent NJC with pride both in competition and in the classroom. The Plainsmen produced six All-Region Academic honorees and four NJCAA Academic All-Americans, including one student-athlete who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.
On the mat, seven NJC wrestlers qualified for and competed in the NJCAA National Tournament, showcasing the strength and competitiveness of the program on a national stage. Head Coach Colby Duncan's dedication and work ethic are evident throughout the program. He works as hard as the student-athletes he coaches, and his commitment to excellence continues to have a positive impact on the success and development of NJC wrestling.
The accomplishments of NJC Athletics during the 2025-26 academic year tell a remarkable story. Championships were won. National tournaments have been reached. Individual honors were earned. But perhaps most importantly, student athletes continued to excel academically while preparing themselves for successful futures.
Behind every academic award, championship trophy, and postseason appearance are coaches who believe in developing the whole student-athlete. The commitment of NJC's coaching staff, faculty, academic support personnel, and student-athletes has created a culture where success is expected in everything.
The results speak for themselves: a 3.25 department GPA, 98 Region IX Academic selections, 65 NJCAA Academic All-Americans, and 23 perfect 4.0 GPAs.
NJC Athletics would also like to recognize and thank outgoing Athletic Director Marci Henry for her unwavering support of our student athletes, coaches, and programs. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment help create an environment where excellence can thrive both academically and athletically.
Without Assistant Athletic Director Trevor Chintala and Event Center Manager Brian Schaefer, the events run at NJC would cease to exist. These two, behind the scenes, make each event successful and have given our athletes the ability to achieve greatness on their respected fields of play.
The department would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to President Mike White, whose support of NJC Athletics is evident every day. Whether attending home contests, traveling to support teams, or celebrating student-athlete achievements, President White consistently demonstrates his commitment to the success of NJC Athletics. His presence and encouragement have helped foster a culture where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Northeastern Junior College has become a place where student athletes do not have to choose between academic achievement and athletic success. They are encouraged and empowered to pursue both.
With outstanding coaches, dedicated student-athletes, supportive leadership, and a campus-wide commitment to excellence, Northeastern Junior College continues to prove that it is truly the place to be.