Howard College Athletics Earns NJCAA Academic Honors

Howard College Athletics Earns NJCAA Academic Honors

Howard College is proud to celebrate another outstanding achievement by its student-athletes as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recently announced its 2025-26 Academic Team Awards and All-Academic Teams. From team success in the classroom to individual academic excellence, Howard College student-athletes continue to demonstrate that they are committed to achieving at the highest level, both in competition and in the classroom.

The NJCAA Academic Team Awards recognize programs that achieve a cumulative team grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher during the academic year. This year, four Howard College athletic programs earned national recognition. In addition to the team honors, student-athletes from every Howard College athletic program were recognized individually by the NJCAA as First Team, Second Team, and Third Team All-Academic honorees.

Howard College Softball ranked 12th in the nation with a 3.76 Team GPA

First team honors were awarded to Sarah Aguilar, Janelle Armadillo, Angelina Corral, Isabella Farinha, Gabriella Gonzales, Eva O’Loughlan, and Bianca Rijborz. Second team honors were awarded to Celeste Flores, Ellie Kissinger, Brynn Rodgers, Sophia Sanches, Cloe Viasana, and Savannah Villarreal. Third team honors were awarded to Aryah Barrera, Annalise Barron, Brooke Carriker, and Sealee Lindley.

Howard College Women's Basketball ranked 6th in the nation with a 3.74 Team GPA

First team honors were awarded to Kailyn Berry and Abrianna Lawrence. Second team honors were awarded to Ella Campbell, Vincinique Dames, Tasiana Butler, Agathe Lerat, and Shannon Quigley. Third team honors were awarded to Makayla Ellison and Talia Vea.

Howard College Baseball ranked 16th in the nation with a 3.60 Team GPA

First team honors were awarded to Reid Brezina, Samuel Distel, Zachary Foden, Adam Hawrylak, Colton Klapprodt, Andrew Lind, Stephen Peterson, Connel Reed, and Jaxon Wylie. Second team honors were awarded to Austin Frye and Lincoln Schroeder. Third team honors were awarded to Jackson Arnett, Cash Bolgiano, Gaston Galvan, Ehtan Guzman, Charles Lavigne, Caiden Perardi, Davis Rodgers, and Owen Skinner.

Howard College Men's Basketball ranked 19th in the nation with a 3.36 Team GPA

First team honors were awarded to Jermaine Cunningham and Florian Rijkers. Second team honors were awarded to Roee Oselka and Oskar Stumer. Third team honors were awarded to Terry Copeland and Kuai Deng.

These impressive GPAs reflect the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of Howard College's student-athletes, as well as the support provided by coaches, faculty, and academic staff who help them succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

“We are incredibly proud of these teams and athletes,” said Athletic Director Kyle Cooper. “One of the things I appreciate most about this group is their willingness to invest in their future. They show up, put in the work, support one another, and take pride in representing Howard College. That’s the kind of culture we’re committed to building.”

The recognition comes on the heels of another remarkable year for Howard College Athletics, including national success. While championships and victories are great accomplishments, the continued academic success of Howard College's athletic programs reinforces the college’s commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for success long after graduation.

Howard College congratulates every student-athlete, coach, and staff member who contributed to these outstanding academic achievements. Their dedication represents the very best of what it means to be a Howard Hawk.