March 6, 2025 – Paris Junior College softball player Gabriella Sosa has snagged several number one spots in rankings from the National Junior College Athletic Association this week.
The sophomore catcher is currently number one nationally in home runs (20), runners batted in (56), and total bases (106). She is third nationally in slugging percentage (1.359) and fourth in hits (40).
“Gabby has gotten off to a great start and her numbers are incredible,” said PJC Softball Coach Shelby Shelton. “The best thing about Gabby is that she is a tremendous person and makes the people around her better. She has earned the results she is getting and the recognition that comes with it.”
Sosa, who graduated from MacArthur High School in San Antonio, credits her teammates for her success.
“Overall, I feel the performance is good,” said Sosa. “My teammates are a huge part of the success as well as our coaches. We have such a good offensive team; they truly push me to strive to be better and compete. Our coaches also put in a ton of extra work so we can feel good about our swings and make adjustments as needed.”
Their combined efforts are evident in the national NJCAA ranking of 16th for PJC softball – an achievement the team has maintained for three weeks.
“The ranking is something we don’t even talk about as a team,” said Shelton, “but as a program, we always want to strive to be relevant on the national level, so to be named in the top 25 is always an honor for our program.”
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
