Charlotte, N.C. – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recognized two longtime North Platte Community College coaches as all-time winningest coaches in NJCAA history with the Coaches Legacy Award presented by Nufabrx.
Sally Thalken and Kevin O’Connor were among 201 coaches from 28 sports nominated by member institutions to receive this award. Coaches had to meet the minimum requirement of 700 wins to be recognized by the national office. Thalken was one of just 13 volleyball coaches recognized, while O’Connor was one of 22 from men’s basketball.
During her illustrious 34-year career, Thalken compiled a 921-610 record, guiding the Knights to five national tournament appearances. She coached 12 NJCAA All-Americans and was honored as both Region IX Coach of the Year and District Coach of the Year. In 2003, Thalken was inducted into the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
At the time of her retirement, Thalken held the distinction of being the winningest coach in NJCAA Division II volleyball history. Her teams claimed five district titles, leading to four appearances at the NJCAA DII Volleyball Championship, in addition to a berth at the 1984 NJCAA Championship prior to the division split.
O’Connor served as head coach of the NPCC men’s basketball program for 39 years, amassing 744 career wins. Upon retirement, he was the all-time winningest coach in Region IX history and had led the Knights to 31 winning seasons.
Under his leadership, the program earned two NJCAA National Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2013 and secured 22 Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference titles. O’Connor also coached nine NJCAA All-Americans and 19 NJCAA Academic Team honorees.
All honorees were recognized at a luncheon on June 17 in Charlotte, N.C., held in conjunction with the 2025 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony.
