June 4, 2025 – Paris, Texas — The Paris Junior College (PJC) Lady Dragons Softball team wrapped up a season for the history books with a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament and a cascade of national accolades, including five 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 4th 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.
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Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
