TSC Student-Athletes Set Record With 13 NJCAA All-Academic Selections

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Texas Southmost College student-athletes are proving they can excel both on the field and in the classroom.

Thirteen TSC student-athletes were named to the 2025-26 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic teams, setting a record for the college since athletics were reinstated in 2023.

“I am extremely proud of all 13 student-athletes,” said TSC Interim Athletic Director and Men’s Soccer Head Coach Mario Zamora. “This recognition reflects their commitment, discipline and ability to excel both academically and athletically. They represent what it means to be a true student-athlete at Texas Southmost College.”

To earn NJCAA All-Academic recognition, student-athletes must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.60. Those with a perfect 4.0 GPA are named to the First Team, student-athletes with GPAs between 3.80 and 3.99 earn Second Team honors, and those with GPAs between 3.60 and 3.79 are named to the Third Team.

The TSC women’s soccer team led the way with seven All-Academic selections, the most the program has produced in a single season since it was reinstated.

“I’m incredibly proud of these seven young women,” said TSC Women’s Soccer Head Coach Jesus Villarreal. “Earning All-Academic recognition isn’t just about being a good student or a good athlete. It’s about making the commitment to excel in both areas every single day. As coaches, we emphasize developing the whole person, and these ladies truly embraced that.”

Two women’s soccer players, Lilian Barrera and Camila Minez, earned First Team honors.

“Lilian’s story is one of perseverance,” Villarreal said. “She played one year, had to sit out the next after falling short academically, but she never gave up. She worked hard, got back on track, returned to the team and earned First Team All-Academic honors. I’m incredibly proud of the way she responded to adversity.”

Minez has also distinguished herself through her commitment to academics.

“Camila set a great example by taking her academics seriously while competing at a high level,” Villarreal said. “She showed that success as a student-athlete comes from being disciplined and committed in the classroom just as much as on the field.”

Three cross country athletes earned All-Academic honors, including First Team selection Ilce Ceballos.

“Her journey to becoming an All-Academic First Team honoree wasn’t given, it was earned through sacrifice, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said TSC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Head Coach Basilio Mendoza.

Six of the 13 student-athletes honored this year will return to compete for TSC during the 2026-27 academic year.

“Some of the others have graduated or moved on to four-year institutions, which is something we are also very proud of,” Zamora said. “Seeing our student-athletes continue their education and athletic careers after TSC is one of the most rewarding parts of our job.”

Texas Southmost College NJCAA All-Academic Selections

First Team