22 Triton College Student-Athletes Earn NJCAA All-Academic Honors
Three Trojan teams also recognized as NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Twenty-two Triton College student-athletes representing 10 intercollegiate sports have earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Academic honors for the 2025-26 academic year, recognizing their outstanding achievement in the classroom.
In addition to the individual honors, Triton’s baseball, softball and women’s basketball teams were recognized as NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year after each posted a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Nationwide, 13,273 student-athletes earned NJCAA All-Academic recognition during the 2025-26 academic year. Student-athletes qualify by achieving an overall GPA of 3.60 or higher, with honors awarded in three categories: First Team (4.00 GPA), Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA) and Third Team (3.60-3.79 GPA).
"Our student-athletes continue to demonstrate that success in competition begins with a commitment to excellence in the classroom," said Athletic Director A.J. Blahut. "These honors reflect the dedication, discipline and character of our students, as well as the support they receive from our coaches, faculty and staff. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished."
The following Triton College student-athletes earned NJCAA All-Academic honors:
NJCAA All-Academic First Team (4.00 GPA)
- Nolan Greco (Canada), Baseball
- Genciana Ortiz (Niles West), Softball
- Mykhailo Shymkiv (Ridgewood), Men's Soccer
- Tyler Trapp (Lane Tech), Baseball
NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA)
- Carole Akers (Elmwood Park), Volleyball
- Gabriel Arreola (Proviso Math & Science Academy), Track & Field
- Kouki Ikushima (Japan), Men's Soccer
- Jimmy Lopez (Morton West), Baseball
- Zoe Ortiz (Riverside-Brookfield), Track & Field
- Colin Pacholek-Mayer (Downers Grove North), Baseball
- Lizbeth Sanchez (Prosser), Women's Soccer
NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (3.60-3.79 GPA)
- Haley Arechiga (Proviso East), Women's Soccer
- Mackenzie Bickhaus (Niles West), Softball
- Isaac Depakakibo (Ridgewood), Track & Field
- Addison Dolan (Eastview, Minn.), Women's Basketball
- Brody Kelsey (Oswego), Baseball
- Khaled Khaled (Reavis), Men's Basketball
- Ricky Moore (Taft), Wrestling
- Samuel Najera (Columbia), Men's Soccer
- Alexa Norgard (Belvidere North), Softball
- Jessica Quizhpi (Aspira Business), Women's Soccer
- Jase Salin (Lincoln-Way West), Wrestling
For more information on Trojan athletics, including programs, schedules and rosters, visit tritonathletics.com.
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of
higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute
as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate
programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year
universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove,
Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable
educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we
serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member
of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community
college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.
