Story by George Haws - Sports Information Coordinator
North Platte Community College Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jeff Thurman has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association Coach of the Year for Region IX and Northwest Plains District.
“We are obviously very proud of Jeff and the women’s basketball team and their accomplishments this year,” said Kevin O’Connor, NPCC athletic director. “After getting off to a rough start, the team bounced back and played extremely well the last part of the season. Their efforts paid off by winning the Region IX championship, then defeating a very good Rochester, Minn. team to capture the district title and qualify for the national tournament.”
Thurman said the awards are more than just a personal accolade.
“It is the culmination of work that our student-athletes put in this year, on and off the court,” said Thurman.
He also credited NPCC Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Sarafina Handy, for her “tireless work behind the scenes.”
“I could not have accomplished any of this without her,” said Thurman. “These awards could not have happened without the belief and trust of everyone inside our program. I thank them for it.”
The team ended their season on Thursday at the NJCAA national championship tournament in Hickory, N. Carolina. Their final, overall record was 10-13.