The Cochise College men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s soccer earned NJCAA Academic Team of the Year recognitions. Each year, the NJCAA recognizes teams in each sport for their dedication in the classroom. This recognition is awarded to programs with team GPAs above 3.00. The men’s basketball team received accolades for their top ten honor, finishing eighth in the nation with a team GPA of 3.27, following a season that saw an appearance at the national tournament. The women’s basketball team and women’s soccer team were also recognized for outstanding academic success. Women’s basketball finished the season with a team GPA of 3.05. Women’s soccer finished with a 3.10 team GPA.
“To be named as one of the top ten academic teams in the country is an honor,” said head coach Jerry Carrillo. “The players worked very hard to achieve this accomplishment despite all the challenges.”
“The team recognition shows how dedicated and resilient our athletes are on and off the court,” said head coach Misty Opat.
“We are very proud of the success we have had this past season,” added head coach Bobby Peters.
The NJCAA also announced ten Cochise student-athletes on the 2020-21 All-Academic teams. First Team honors students for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Athletes recording a 3.80 – 3.99 GPA were recognized on the Second Team. Athletes named on the Third Team earned a 3.60-3.79 GPA.
First Team (4.00 GPA)
Kalep Crane- Men’s Basketball – Freshman
Patrick Samoura – Men’s Basketball – Sophomore
Joe Sinclair – Baseball – Sophomore
Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA)
Sanne Croes – Women’s Soccer – Sophomore
Jonathan Garcia – Men’s Basketball – Freshman
Daniela Gomez – Soccer – Freshman
Abilash Surendran- Men’s Basketball – Freshman
Third Team (3.60-3.79 GPA)
Brianna Guzman – Soccer – Sophomore
Sharon Preci- Women’s Basketball – Sophomore
Taylor Salazar – Women’s Basketball – Sophomore
To view the list of award winners, visit All-Academic Awards and NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year website.