Two Gulf Coast basketball players named to NJCAA First Team All-American list

Trent Lincoln and Myla Benton recognized for historic seasons

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with the players and ball broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and skill of the sport.The NJCAA's selection of two Gulf Coast basketball players to its prestigious First Team All-American list reflects the programs' success and the standout talent of their student-athletes.Panama City Today

Two players from the Gulf Coast basketball teams, Trent Lincoln and Myla Benton, have been named to the NJCAA First Team All-American list. Lincoln, a sophomore guard, is the first Gulf Coast men's player to receive this honor, while Benton, a Gulf Coast women's player, also made the first team. Both players had standout seasons, with Lincoln averaging 19 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds per game, and Benton averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the strong basketball programs at Gulf Coast and the talent of their players. Making the NJCAA First Team All-American list is a prestigious accomplishment that can open doors for these athletes to continue their careers at the next level.

The details

Trent Lincoln, a sophomore guard from Baltimore, was named a first-team juco All-American. He was also the conference and state player of the year, helping lead the Gulf Coast men's team to a national tournament berth. On the women's side, Gulf Coast's Myla Benton was also named a first-team All-American, while her teammate Arianny Francisco De Oliviera made the third team, and Chipola's Taylor Rietveld was named to the second team.

  • The awards were announced on April 9, 2026.

The players

Trent Lincoln

A sophomore guard from Baltimore who was named a first-team juco All-American, the conference and state player of the year, and helped lead the Gulf Coast men's basketball team to a national tournament berth.

Myla Benton

A Gulf Coast women's basketball player who was named a first-team NJCAA All-American, averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Arianny Francisco De Oliviera

A Gulf Coast women's basketball player who was named to the NJCAA Third Team All-American list.

Taylor Rietveld

A Chipola women's basketball player who was named to the NJCAA Second Team All-American list.

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What they’re saying

“Trent the conference and state player of the year as well, averaged 19 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds per game, helping to lead Gulf Coast to a national tournament berth.”

— Scott Rossman, Author

“On the ladies side, Gulf Coast's Myla Benton also a first team All-American. She averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds per game.”

— Scott Rossman, Author

The takeaway

The selection of Trent Lincoln and Myla Benton to the NJCAA First Team All-American list demonstrates the strength and talent of the Gulf Coast basketball programs, and the recognition of their players' hard work and achievements. This could lead to further opportunities for these athletes as they continue their basketball careers.