1/22/25
MARTINSVILLE, VA – The Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) Lady Pats softball team has been named to the #1 spot in the 2025 NJCAA Division III Softball Preseason Poll. This historic ranking comes on the heels of their first-ever NJCAA DIII National Championship in 2024, solidifying the Lady Pats as the premier team to watch this season.
Under the leadership of head coach Roger Campbell, now entering his 10th season, the Lady Pats achieved unprecedented success last year and are primed for another championship run.
“This preseason ranking is a testament to the dedication and excellence of everyone involved in this program,” said Campbell. “We know there’s a target on our back, but this team thrives under pressure. We’re ready to prove that last year’s championship was just the beginning.”
The Lady Pats return an impressive roster of decorated players, including sophomores who dominated the field in 2024:
Sophomores to Watch
• Laila Rodriguez (Shortstop)
Batting average: .486 (84-173), 63 stolen bases (led the nation)
2024 Awards:
• 1st Team Region 10
• 1st Team Region 10 Conference Tournament
• 1st Team NFCA
• NFCA Golden Shoe Award
• NJCAA 1st Team All-American
• NJCAA DIII Nationals All-Tournament
• 2024 DIII Nationals Tournament MVP
• Greenly Elliott (Outfielder)
Batting average: .375 (72-192)
2024 Awards:
• 1st Team Region 10
• 1st Team Region 10 Conference Tournament
• NJCAA DIII Nationals All-Tournament
• Jaci Parham (Utility)
Batting average: .311 (42-135), 5 HRs, 25 RBIs
2024 Awards:
• 1st Team Region 10
• 1st Team NFCA
• Rachael Gooch (Catcher)
Batting average: .299 (41-137), 5 HRs, 33 RBIs
2024 Awards:
• 1st Team Region 10
• 2nd Team NJCAA All-American
Freshmen to Watch
• Lily Carola (Pitcher)
Hometown: Union, WV | GPA: 4.0
Known for her impressive outings this fall, including shutting out Virginia Tech for several innings, Lily brings both talent and grit to the mound.
• Kayla Bartley (Pitcher/3rd Base)
Hometown: Covington, VA | GPA: 4.0
A dual threat, Kayla combines sharp pitching with powerful hitting potential, making her a key addition to the Lady Pats lineup.
Transfer Player
• Abby Epperson (Pitcher/Utility)
A mature pitcher with a strong command of the strike zone, Abby also brings powerful hitting to the plate, further strengthening the team’s championship prospects.
“The returning talent, paired with a promising recruiting class, positions us to make another deep run,” added Assistant Vice President and Athletic Director Brian Henderson. “We’re excited for what this team will accomplish in 2025.”
The Lady Pats will open their season on the road against Division 1 NJCAA powerhouses Gaston College and Florence-Darlington Technical College. Their first home game will be against Division 2 Richard Bland College. These matchups will prepare the Lady Pats for February 22nd’s highly anticipated rematch against the 2024 national runner-up North Dakota State College of Science in Columbus, GA at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
For schedule updates and team news, visit www.phccsports.com or follow the Lady Pats on social media.