In just two weeks, Trinity Valley Community College has once again proven why it’s been dubbed the Home of Champions. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or under the bright lights of competition, our students continue to rise, lead, and win. 

After the TVCC men’s basketball team captured their first-ever national championship on March 29, the domino effect began, and the trophy shelf started getting heavy.

Men’s Basketball:

If the crown fits…and it does. The Cardinals will wear it proudly for the next year as the 2025 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball champions after a 69-61 win over the Connors State Cowboys in their first-ever championship game appearance at Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kansas.

In claiming their first title, the Cardinals set a school record for wins in a season, finishing 34-3 and surpassing the previous mark of 33 wins set by the Cardinal teams in 1982 and 2016.

"The season was a process and a long grind," said first-year head coach Greg Heiar. "These kids bought in — this is one special group. I just can't say enough good things about them or how much they mean to me, and always will."

Coach Heiar was also named NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year.

Pathways:

TVCC was recognized at the 2025 Talent Strong Texas Pathways Conference with the prestigious Recognition of Dedication to Educational Outcomes (RODEO) Award for improvements in creating supportive and strategic pathways for students.

“I am so incredibly proud of our TVCC Pathways group,” said TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison. “They have worked so hard over the last year to create a strong identity and a vision for positive impact at Trinity Valley. They have improved communication across campus and departments, and it’s making a real difference for our students. They are a national championship team.”

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Iota Alpha Chapter was awarded the prestigious Honors in Action (HIA) Project Award, a recognition given to only 50 chapters out of approximately 700 submissions worldwide. This award was presented during the final awards gala at the 2025 Catalyst International Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Cheer:

At the 2025 National Cheer Association National Championship, TVCC Cheer delivered standout performances that kept the Valley spirit shining bright.

The Advanced Large Coed Junior College team earned a strong second-place finish with a final score of 93.0542, while the Advanced Small Coed Junior College team soared to a national championship with a dominating score of 94.8292, outpacing Dodge City Community College and Mount San Antonio College.

Cardinal Cheer has now won national titles in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 — officially returning from the National Cheerleaders Association competition in Daytona Beach with 16 national titles.

Cardette Showgirls:

Adding to the winning streak, the Cardette Showgirls made headlines of their own. Competing at The College Classic in Orlando, Florida, under the direction of Coach Emma Cox, the Showgirls claimed not just one but two national titles — capturing the Jazz Division with a score of 88.06 and taking the Open Pom Division crown with a score of 90.66.

This marks the second time the Showgirls have doubled up on titles, a feat they also accomplished in 2021.

“We are very excited and proud of what Emma and the ladies accomplished,” said TVCC Athletic Director Eddie Kite. “They brought great focus, enthusiasm, and energy to the competition, resulting in the celebration they experienced Sunday night.”

The Cardette Showgirls’ growing legacy now includes national titles in 2017, 2019, 2021 (two titles), 2022, 2024, and now 2025 (two titles).

Student Government Association:

The winning spirit isn’t just found in athletics — TVCC Student Government – Athens Campus delivered championship-level success in leadership too.

The Athens Campus SGA has once again claimed the coveted Texas Junior College Student Government Association Chapter of the Year award, going back-to-back with this year’s win!

“These recognitions reflect the hard work, leadership, and school spirit that our SGA continues to pour into our campus and community,” shared Director of Recruitment and Admissions and SGA Athens Chapter Advisor Courtney Skiles.

In addition to Chapter of the Year, the Athens SGA Chapter also brought home:

1st Place – Event of the Year

1st Place – Region of the Year

Sweepstakes Award (highest scoring delegation across all competition categories)

Gold Standard Chapter of Excellence

Success extended across all TVCC campuses:

The Terrell Chapter earned Silver Standard Chapter of Excellence

The Palestine Chapter earned Bronze Standard Chapter of Excellence

Across academics, athletics, and leadership, TVCC students continue to show what being a Cardinal is all about — hard work, heart, and an unstoppable drive for excellence.

At Trinity Valley Community College, championship moments aren't rare — they’re the standard.