Lady Cougars Make History With NJCAA Tournament Invitation

March 14, 2023

CougarNews

Collin College Lady Cougars team members and Coach Jeff Allen celebrate a clutch basket in a comeback win over McLennan Community College in January.

The Collin College Lady Cougars have earned their first ever selection to the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament.

March 14, 2023 The Collin College Lady Cougars will play in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Tournament in Lubbock, March 22-27. This is the first time any basketball team from Collin College has made the national tournament.

The Lady Cougars finished their regular season with an all-time best 28-1 record and were ranked No. 7 in the NJCAA Coaches Poll. The team won its first game of the NJCAA Region V tournament but lost in the semifinals before being named an at-large selection to the national tournament on the strength of its record and national ranking. The NJCAA tournament bracket was announced on March 12. Collin College is the No. 10 seed, facing Cochise College from southern Arizona.

Were just excited to be there and have an opportunity to play more basketball, Coach Jeff Allen said. This has been a special year and a special group of players.

Allen, who was just named the Womens Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Two-Year College National Coach of the Year, went on to thank all the people who have supported the team this year, including the colleges administration.

It has definitely made a difference, Allen said.

Dr. Albert Tezeno, athletic director for Collin College, said the team deserves the success it has had this season.

The Collin College Lady Cougars celebrate with a group photo after a win against Jacksonville College in January.

This is an exceptional accomplishment for our basketball program, and the players have worked hard to make it happen, Dr. Tezeno said. They leave everything they have on the court in every game. We couldnt be prouder of them.

Visit https://athletics.collin.edu for more information on the Lady Cougars and links to watch the NJCAA tournament starting March 22.

Collin Collegeserves more than 57,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visitwww.collin.edu.