Jaguar Athletics Fall Recap

By JACOB ROWLAND, DANIEL LEATHERMAN, ​& TOM WAIT
Jacksonville College Coaching Staff

​Cross-Country
The cross-country team had a lot of success this season. In early November, they traveled to Fort Dodge, Iowa, to compete in the NJCAA Division II national championship. At race time, about four inches of snow had fallen and continued to fall during the race. For a team of Texans, this was very different from what they were accustomed. Despite the rough conditions, they ran an amazing race and represented Jacksonville College well. The men’s team had a record-setting day, coming in 11th  in the nation, the highest finish in the team’s history. They were led by freshman Corbin Garcia from El Campo, who came in 62nd. The women’s team also had a strong showing from two freshmen, Ria Torres from Sealy who came in 32nd, and Chloe Ellis from Marble Falls who came in 37th.  Both young women earned NJCAA Coaches Association All-American Honors and led the women’s team to finish 30th in the nation.  All of these athletes are now getting ready to compete for the Jaguars Track and Field team beginning in the spring semester.

The Lady Jaguars after finishing a race in the snow at the NJCAA National Championship

The Jaguars showing their Texas pride while readying for the NJCAA National Championship race in a snowy Fort Dodge, Iowa

Golf
The Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams have gotten off to record breaking seasons. The Jaguars opened up the season ranked sixth in the nation. The highest finish of the fall was a second place finish in their home event here in Jacksonville. Glen Rose sophomore Sam Clair led the Jaguars with a fourth place finish, posting two under par while Huntsville Sophomore Matthew de Boisblanc placed sixth for the event at even par. Currently the Jaguars are ranked 20th in the nation and are preparing to climb the polls when the spring season begins in February.
The Lady Jaguars are also making waves in the NJCAA Division II, opening the season ranked sixth in the nation and maintaining that rank throughout the fall.  Tomball freshman Paige Hill leads the way for the Lady Jaguars averaging 76 for the fall and is currently ranked 5th in the nation. Hill’s best finish was in the Letourneau University Invitational, posting scores of 72 and 76.  Lindale sophomore Karis Pollard is currently ranked 35th in the nation while Freshman Carolyn Watson of Deer Park, is ranked inside the top 50 individually at 46th.

The Lady Jaguars preparing to compete in the Waco River Classic

The Jaguars preparing to compete in the Waco River Classic

Soccer
The 2025 Jacksonville Men’s Soccer season saw an improvement over the past couple of seasons. Competing in Region 14 NJCAA Division I they finished the season in 3rd place in the north zone. The Jaguars played all games closely and many decided in the waning moments of the game. Sophomore goalkeeper, Chris Martinez from Kilgore had an exceptional year posting five shutouts. Freshman Juanchi Rodrigues from Venezuelan led the team in scoring with 11 goals. Sophomore captain, Jayden Donald from Scotland headed up the defense keeping the team in contention in every game.
 
The 2025 Women’s Soccer season went exceptionally well with marked improvement over the previous season and winning more games. The gap between teams in the conference is narrowing as the Lady Jaguars bring in more talent. Freshman Analiyah Fierros from Kilgore made an impact with her scoring threat up top, notching five goals and two assists for the season. Freshman Ava Chazaro from Dickinson held the midfield with a commanding presence and freshman goalkeeper, Jazmin Naranjo from Costa Rica kept games close with her outstanding performances.

Analiyah Fierros in action against Northeast Texas Community College

Head Coach Tom Wait and the Jacksonville College Jaguars gather to pray before a soccer match

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