Jensen Named MVP as Northwest Women’s Soccer Secures Back-to-Back NJCAA National Titles

WICHITA, KS – Northwest Mississippi Community College completed a historic run to its second consecutive NJCAA Division II Women’s Soccer National Championship last Saturday, capped by sophomore Emma Jensen being named the Tournament Most Valuable Player.

The Rangers defeated Heartland Community College 2-1 in a thrilling comeback victory, and the post-tournament honors reflected Northwest’s dominant performance throughout the week in Wichita.

Jensen’s Heroics Earn Tournament MVP

Midfielder Emma Jensen was the standout performer, providing late-game heroics in the final match. After assisting on the tying goal by Caroline Perkins, Jensen secured the national title in the 87th minute with a penalty kick goal, completing the 2-1 rally.

Jensen was a consistent offensive threat for the Rangers, being the only Northwest player to record a point in every tournament match. Her final-match goal was the culmination of a tournament where she also tallied a goal and an assist in the opener, an assist in pool play, and a goal and an assist in the dramatic 3-2 semifinal victory over Jones College. She also played a crucial role in the overtime game-winner against Jones.

Three Rangers Earn All-Tournament Honors

Jensen was joined on the NJCAA Division II All-Tournament Team by teammates Caroline Perkins and Allie Kimbrell.

• Caroline Perkins: The forward totaled nine points (four goals, one assist) for the tournament. She scored in both pool play wins, netted the tying goal and the “golden goal” winner in the semifinal against Jones, and assisted the tying goal in the championship. Her late run into the penalty box drew the foul that set up Jensen’s game-winning penalty kick.
• Allie Kimbrell: The versatile sophomore represented a staunch Northwest defense that limited opponents to single-digit shots in all but one game. Kimbrell’s defensive prowess was highlighted in the semifinal, where she effectively locked down Jones College’s high-scoring forward Sherline King, limiting her to a single goal after King had previously scored four against the No. 1 seed.

Coach Beattie Earns Top Honor, 100th Win

Head Coach James Beattie was named the NJCAA Division II Coach of the Tournament after guiding the Rangers to their second straight national title. Beattie achieved his 100th career victory with the program during the tournament.

Under his leadership, Northwest demonstrated remarkable resilience, earning three come-from-behind victories, including overcoming early deficits against Southern Union State Community College in the opener, and late deficits against Jones (2-1) and Heartland (1-0).