Former North Platte Community College Knights softball player Elena Montoya has been named as a 2023 Second Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
The Denver native played for the Knights during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 softball seasons, serving as both shortstop and catcher.
“Being an All-American is unbelievable and such an honor,” said Montoya. “The time we’ve put in on and off the field showed this past year, and the North Platte community showed its support as well. Even though my name is on the [award], this one is for all of my teammates and Coach Higgins. We did it together.”
According to the NJCAA, each region submits nominations including stats, region rank and other relevant information. The NJCAA Division II Softball Committee then reviews that information and selects the All-America teams.
Montoya had a stellar sophomore season, leading the region with a .541 batting average, hitting seven home runs, with 20 doubles, 39 runs batted in and 63 stolen bases. She concluded the year ninth in the nation in batting average and third in stolen bases.
In the field, she notched 94 putouts and 65 assists while posting a .914 fielding percentage.
Her accomplishments landed her a spot on the All-Region IX Team for the second year in a row.
“This is a huge honor for [Elena],” NPCC Head Women’s Softball Coach Janelle Higgins said of the All-American recognition. “She worked so hard on and off the field. She maintained a 3.9 GPA while taking double lab classes last fall and spring and backed that up on the field as well. Elena is a very gifted athlete and an even better human. We are definitely going to miss her leadership next year, but she did a great job leading the freshmen and showing them how to continue that success next year.”
Montoya will continue her athletic career this fall, playing softball for the Falcons at Friends University in Wichita, Kan.
