Indian River State College Honors National Champion Softball Team with Championship Ring Ceremony

November 18, 2024 Indian River State College

Indian River State College softball players proudly display their national championship rings during today's ring ceremony, celebrating their remarkable achievement as NJCAA National Champions. (Photo courtesy: Jimmy Crocco, Indian River State College)

PALM CITY, FL (November 16, 2024) – Indian River State College celebrated its 2024 NJCAA Division I National Champion women's softball team Saturday evening with a championship ring ceremony and banquet at Hammock Creek Golf Club. The event honored the Pioneers' remarkable 57-10 season that culminated in the program's second national title.

During an emotional ceremony, players and coaches received their championship rings commemorating their historic achievement. The team, which led the nation with 447 strikeouts and ranked second with 276 stolen bases, was celebrated for both their athletic excellence and academic achievement, having earned the highest GPA in program history with a 3.46 team average.

"This championship team exemplifies everything we strive for at Indian River State College," said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. "They have shown extraordinary determination on the field, excellence in the classroom, and a deep commitment to serving our community. These young women are not just champions in softball – they are champions in every sense of the word."

Head Coach Dale Atkinson, recipient of the Karen L. Sykes Coach of the Tournament award, reflected on the team's journey to the title. "This group of student-athletes showed incredible resilience and determination throughout the season. From our first practice to the final out of the World Series, they never lost sight of their goals. To see them receive these rings tonight – symbols of their hard work and dedication – is just awesome!"

The evening celebrated numerous individual achievements, including J'Dah Girigorie, who was named World Series Pitcher of the Tournament and MVP after recording 50 strikeouts in 43.2 innings. The team also recognized its four World Series All-Tournament Team selections and two NFCA All-Americans.

Beyond their athletic accomplishments, the team was celebrated for winning the school's Student Government Association Trident Award for their extensive community service work across Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.

The championship marks Indian River State College's second national softball title, following their previous championship in 2002, and adds to the program's impressive legacy, which includes four state titles.

About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida's Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas.