El Paso Community College (EPCC) announced that its women’s half‑marathon team has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Team of the Year for the 2025‑26 academic year. The honor reflects the team’s outstanding 3.78 cumulative grade‑point average, the highest GPA recorded among all women’s half‑marathon programs in the association.
Academic excellence recognized nationally
The NJCAA recognition highlights the balance EPCC student‑athletes maintain between rigorous training and demanding coursework. In addition to the team award, three other EPCC athletic squads earned NJCAA distinction by achieving GPAs above 3.0, underscoring a campus‑wide commitment to scholastic achievement.
Individual honors complement team success
Several members of the half‑marathon squad were also named to the NJCAA All‑Academic Teams, an accolade based on individual GPA performance. These selections further demonstrate that the athletes excel not only on the course but also in the classroom.
Coach emphasizes character and determination
“These awards celebrate not only academic achievement but also the character and determination that define our programs,” said Felix Hinojosa, EPCC’s director of athletics and head cross‑country coach. “We are proud to see their efforts recognized on a national level.” Hinojosa added that the college’s support services, including tutoring and academic advising, play a crucial role in helping student‑athletes succeed.
Impact on the EPCC community
The recognition has been welcomed by faculty, staff, and local supporters who view the achievement as a testament to the college’s broader mission of fostering well‑rounded individuals. Parents of the athletes expressed pride in seeing their daughters excel both academically and athletically, reinforcing the importance of parental involvement and support.
Looking ahead
EPCC plans to continue emphasizing academic standards across all sports programs. The college will host a celebration event later this month to honor the women’s half‑marathon team and other distinguished athletes. The event will provide an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the hard work of the student‑athletes and the staff who guide them.
As EPCC’s success demonstrates, strong academic foundations and disciplined athletic training can coexist, offering a model for other junior colleges seeking to elevate both performance and scholarship.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
