Pima Aztecs Capture First NJCAA Division II National Title

Coach Todd Holthaus celebrates with players and alumni after 19 years of building the program

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:12am

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The Pima Community College women's basketball team won their first-ever NJCAA Division II national championship, defeating Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kirkwood 64-58 in the title game. Head coach Todd Holthaus, who has led the Aztecs for 19 seasons, praised his team's resolve and the contributions of past Pima players who helped build the program over the years.

Why it matters

Pima's national title is a landmark achievement for the community college and its basketball program, which has developed numerous All-Americans and reached the NJCAA tournament 12 times under Holthaus. The victory boosts Pima's profile and reputation beyond its regional identity, potentially aiding recruiting efforts to bring in top talent from across the Southwest.

The details

In the championship game, sophomore Kiley Sours-Miller had 27 points and 10 rebounds, while fellow sophomore Melicia Nelson added 20 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists to lead Pima to victory. The Aztecs trailed 45-42 entering the fourth quarter but outscored Kirkwood 22-13 in the final period to pull away. Holthaus credited his experienced sophomores for the team's resolve and ability to rally in the clutch.

  • Pima Community College won the NJCAA Division II national championship on March 22, 2026.
  • Holthaus earned his 400th career victory earlier this season in Pima's season opener.

The players

Todd Holthaus

The head coach of the Pima Community College women's basketball team, who has led the Aztecs for 19 seasons and won his first national championship.

Kiley Sours-Miller

A sophomore who is likely to be a two-time NJCAA Division II All-American after scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the championship game.

Melicia Nelson

A sophomore captain and point guard who was named the NJCAA Division II tournament MVP after recording 20 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists in the title game.

Jim Rosborough

A longtime assistant coach for Pima who was unable to travel this year due to lung problems, but is leaving the door open to coaching some practices and games next season.

America Cazares

The state's girls basketball career scoring leader who is headed to Pima this fall, continuing the program's tradition of developing local talent.

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What they’re saying

“I think that that's probably the coolest part. Is it just gives me a moment to pause and all those teams that started when I first started coaching, and just them laying the foundation for what happened today because I feel like, yeah, this team won, but I think we all won.”

— Todd Holthaus, Head Coach, Pima Community College

“They just never quit, and there's a few times where it was looking bleak, but they just kind of rallied around each other and pushed through. I mean, we've always told them that basketball is a game of runs, and so they're going to make runs. We're going to make runs. We just want to make sure we make ours at the right time and we're ahead, so when the scoreboard goes off, we're ahead by at least one.”

— Todd Holthaus, Head Coach, Pima Community College

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.