Dragon Softball Caps Historic Season with Final Four Finish
A Historic Run by the Lady Dragon Softball Team was Capped Off with a Final Four Finish at the NJCAA Softball World Series
PARIS, Texas – The most successful season in Paris Junior College Softball history came to a close on the national stage as the Lady Dragons capped off a remarkable 2026 campaign with a Final Four appearance at the NJCAA Division I Softball World Series.
Under the leadership of 2026 NJCAA Regional Coach of the Year Shelby Shelton, the Lady Dragons finished the season with a program-record 52 victories, marking the third consecutive season that PJC has set a new school record for wins. After winning 44 games in 2024 and 50 games in 2025, the Lady Dragons continued their upward trajectory by reaching new heights in 2026.
The historic season culminated with an impressive run through the NJCAA World Series field. PJC opened the tournament with a victory over McLennan Community College before earning one of the biggest wins in program history with a triumph over defending national champion Northwest Florida State College.
The Lady Dragons then battled eventual national champion Northeast Alabama Community College in the quarterfinals, seeing their 13-game winning streak come to an end in a hard-fought contest. Refusing to let their season end, PJC responded with an elimination-game victory over Odessa College to advance to the Final Four.
The remarkable run concluded against eventual national runner-up Temple College, securing the highest national finish in program history and cementing the 2026 team as one of the most accomplished groups to ever wear the green and gold.
Throughout the World Series, the Lady Dragons showcased the resilience, determination, and championship mindset that defined their season. Key performances from players such as Christi McGuire, Esmeralda Soto, Grace McDonald, Kaci Gobert, Jai-Lynn Flores, Hadison Fults, and many others helped propel PJC to the national semifinals and further established the program as one of the premier teams in junior college softball.
The Final Four appearance serves as another milestone for a program that continues to reach new levels of success. With a school-record 52 wins, victories over some of the nation's top programs, and a place among the final four teams standing in the country, the 2026 Lady Dragons have secured their place in Paris Junior College softball history.
PJC Athletics congratulates Coach Shelby Shelton, her staff, and the entire Lady Dragon softball team on a historic season and a memorable run to the NJCAA Softball World Series Final Four.
