PRESS RELEASE: MAY 25, 2024
SJR State Softball Team Wins the NJCAA Division II World Series
SJR State won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Softball Championship.
The St. Johns River State Vikings win the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Championship in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As the #9 seed, they took the tournament in a five-game winning streak.
“Coach Pound and our Lady Vikings have been committed to this championship from day one,” said SJR State President Joe Pickens. “Our entire college community is so proud of the athletic talent, academic commitment, determination and spirit of the NJCAA Division II Softball Champions, the St. Johns River State College Vikings!”
The Lady Vikings finished the season with 55 wins and 79 home runs, earning the NJCAA title on the first trip to the tournament in school history.
“These ladies have shown all year long what true grit looks like,” said Head Coach Joe Pound. “This championship was in the making at each practice, win, loss and playoff game. I’m beyond proud of these ladies!”
In addition to the team’s success, Coach Joe Pound was named FCSAA DII Coach of the Year and Coach of the Tournament.Sophomore center fielder/shortstop Kendall Catherwood was recognized as the Player of the Year. Jenny Bouthillier, Caylee Elder, Carolyn Lasater, Olivia Hansen, Alyssa Vallad and Princess Arredondo all made first team. Pitcher Brooke Strickland made second team.
National Championship Tournament Awards went to Caylee Elder – Outstanding Pitcher Award;
Princess Arredondo – Most Valuable Player Award; and Carley Jagiello – Defensive Player Award.
Making the All Tournament Team is Izzy Lewis, Caylee Elder, Princess Arredondo, and Carley Jagiello.
NJCAA Division II Softball First Team All-Americans are Kendall Catherwood, Caylee Elder and Princess Arredondo.
NJCAA Division II Softball Second Team All-American is Alyssa Vallad.
SJR State President Joe Pickens and his wife Carole joined the team in Alabama and North Carolina for the tournament playoffs. “Carole and I have enjoyed witnessing the girls’ journey to this championship. We are honored to be here as they clinch the victory for SJR State!”
Sophomore infielder Kendall Catherwood said winning the championship felt like all the work they have put in in the last two years has finally paid off. “This team is special. We play our hardest to make SJR State proud,” she said. “History is still in the making.”
To learn more, visit the SJR State athletics webpage.
SJR State flickr gallery