Pima Coach Todd Holthaus Named NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year

Holthaus led Pima Community College to its first national title in 2025-26 season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:33am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting using sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the vibrant colors of the Pima Aztecs and Cedar Rapids Kirkwood teams, capturing the raw energy and emotion of a women's basketball championship celebration.Pima Community College's historic national championship victory is celebrated through a cubist, geometric interpretation of the game's energy and emotion.Cedar Rapids Today

Todd Holthaus, the head coach of the Pima Community College women's basketball team, was named the NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year on Thursday. Holthaus, in his 19th season at Pima, guided the Aztecs to their first national championship this past season, defeating Cedar Rapids Kirkwood 64-58 in the title game.

Why it matters

Holthaus' award recognizes his sustained excellence in building Pima into a national powerhouse over nearly two decades. The Aztecs' first national title is a landmark achievement for the program and the Tucson community.

The details

Holthaus earned several other accolades this season, including NJCAA Division II Coach of the National Tournament, his third selection as ACCAC Division II Coach of the Year, and his ninth time being named the NJCAA West District Coach of the Year. He also reached 400 career wins at Pima earlier this season.

  • Holthaus was named the 2025-26 NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year on April 9, 2026.
  • Pima won the NJCAA Division II national championship on March 25, 2026, defeating Cedar Rapids Kirkwood 64-58.

The players

Todd Holthaus

The 19-year head coach of the Pima Community College women's basketball team, who led the Aztecs to their first national championship in 2025-26.

Pima Community College

The community college located in Tucson, Arizona, whose women's basketball team won the NJCAA Division II national title in 2025-26 under Coach Holthaus.

Cedar Rapids Kirkwood

The Iowa community college whose women's basketball team lost to Pima in the 2025-26 NJCAA Division II national championship game.

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What’s next

Holthaus and the Aztecs will look to defend their national title in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Todd Holthaus' NJCAA Division II National Coach of the Year award is a testament to his dedication in turning Pima Community College into a consistent national contender in women's basketball. The Aztecs' first national championship is a landmark achievement for the program and the Tucson community.