All-American honors for two PJC athletes

Published or Revised January 28, 2014

Two Paris Junior College athletes made history for their teams and PJC when they received National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors recently. Sophomore T’Asia Black, of Longview, was a middle blocker volleyball player for PJC. She was selected Second Team All-American middle blocker. The team broke school records, reaching the highest national ranking and highest conference finish since volleyball began at PJC. “We are very excited that T'Asia was selected as a Second Team All-American,” said PJC volleyball coach Justin Maness. “She is the first in our program's history to receive such an honor. It is extremely tough in our conference and region to be chosen as an All-American due to the high level of play from many teams. She has worked hard and improved tremendously since beginning Paris Junior College, so the honor is well deserved. It's another mark to put in the book of records for our program. Any individual achievement is aided by a team effort, so in a way, this team received the honor as well.” “I was excited when I heard, then I called my Mom,” said Black about the honor. “Coach Maness and Coach Jay helped me a lot. I came here a completely different player, not knowing much about the game and they’ve done a great job. I just kept trying to get better and better. I have a lot of options now and I’m trying narrow it down and find a place that fits, with the family feel I need. I’ve loved it at PJC. Now I need to make the right decision for myself, my education and my playing.” Freshman Morgan Monzingo, of Cedar Hill, also achieved Second Team All-American as a forward for the women’s soccer team. Monzingo was a top scorer nationally all season long, for which she was named NJCAA soccer player of the week. She helped the team to its highest finish yet. “She played as a forward in 20 games of the season, and started in 18,” said PJC Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Lauren Hatch. “She had 36 goals and 12 assists for a total of 84 points in the 2013 season.” “I didn’t think it would happen,” said Monzingo, “but I hoped it would, and it makes me feel really good to be named an All-American.”