POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The honors continue to pile up for Pearl River softball following its historic 2026 National Championship run, as the National Junior College Athletic Association announced Wednesday that Ana-Grace Garcia (Baton Rouge, La.; St. Joseph's) and Shania Fondren (Batesville; South Panola) have both been named First Team All-Americans.
The recognition adds another major milestone to a season that saw the Wildcats capture their first-ever NJCAA Division II National Championship and cement themselves among the nation's elite programs.
"We are so proud of both Ana-Grace and Nia for earning the honor of being an NJCAA All-American," head coach Christie Meeks said. "This is a direct reflection of their maturity, hard work and relentless commitment to excelling for each other. This honor is well-earned, and we are so grateful for their impact on this team and community."
ANA-GRACE GARCIA
Garcia earns First Team All-America honors after a dominant sophomore campaign that anchored Pearl River's championship run in the circle. She helped lead the Wildcats to their first national title in program history while putting together one of the most impressive pitching seasons in program history.
She appeared in 31 games with 24 starts, finishing the year 23-2 with two saves and 17 complete games. In 166 2/3 innings pitched, Garcia posted a 2.14 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP while striking out 187 batters against just 53 walks. She struck out double digits in eight different outings, including a 13-strikeout performance against Copiah-Lincoln.
On the sport's biggest stage, Garcia elevated her game even further, earning NJCAA World Series Most Valuable Player honors after throwing 25 1/3 innings with a 1.11 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. She recorded victories over No. 1 Kirkwood, No. 2 Murray State, No. 4 Rock Valley and No. 9 Des Moines Area to power the Wildcats to the national championship. Garcia was also named First Team All-MACCC and All-Region 23.
"Ana-Grace has a special place in my heart. It's not very often that a player comes through your program who helps you grow as much or more than you get to help them," Meeks said. "Ana-Grace is definitely that player. I cannot wait to see what she does at the next level. I know God's plans for her are greater than she could ever imagine. We are so blessed she chose Pearl River. Her legacy will live forever here."
SHANIA FONDREN
Fondren put together a record-breaking offensive season that will go down as one of the best in Pearl River history, earning First Team All-America honors after rewriting the program record books.
She hit .396 (61-for-154) with a .490 on-base percentage and a staggering 1.019 slugging percentage. Fondren set the single-season program record with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs, while also ranking among the program's all-time single-season leaders in runs scored (56, third) and walks (32, third). Of her 61 hits, 66 percent went for extra bases, underscoring her consistent impact in the middle of the lineup.
Her postseason performance further elevated her already historic year, as she was named the NJCAA World Series Outstanding Defensive Player of the Tournament after helping anchor Pearl River's championship run. Fondren was also a two-time MACCC Player of the Week and earned First Team All-MACCC honors and All-Region 23.
"Shania Fondren is one of the calmest, most composed players to come through this program. Her God-given talent shines on the field," Meeks said. "She has a way of making others around her better while creating an environment of ease and fun. It's remarkable to watch her light shine. Her hard work and belief in this team and school shows every day. We are so proud of her, and we cannot wait to see her continue this success next season.""
PREVIOUS ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS
With Garcia and Fondren's selections, PRCC's list of All-America selections grow to eight. Past selections include Brandi Tynes (First Team; 2002), Megan Dawson (First Team; 2004), Mary Grace Turner (Third Team; 2019), Brinson Anne Rogers (Second Team; 2022 and 2023) and Natalie Herrington (Second Team; 2024).
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