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Graphic announcing NJCAA Division I National Championship Most Valuable Player. The image features three photos of an Eastern Arizona College basketball player holding a championship trophy, receiving an award on the court, and in game action, with the text “NJCAA DI National Championship Most Valuable Player” and the name Esmeralda Enriquez displayed, along with EAC and NJCAA championship logos.
Posted: Apr 08, 2026

Esmeralda Enriquez Named MVP of NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament

THATCHER Ariz.– Eastern Arizona College sophomore guard Esmeralda Enriquez finished her season as the Most Valuable Player of the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship Tournament, playing a central role in EAC's run to the national title. The 5-foot-8 guard from Yakima, Washington delivered consistently throughout the tournament and came up with key performances in each round as the Lady Gila Monsters secured the championship.

Enriquez was instrumental in the quarterfinal matchup against the College of Southern Idaho, scoring 24 points in a 64–56 win to help EAC advance. She followed that with 18 points in the semifinal victory over Trinity Valley Community College, providing steady offense while helping control the tempo of the game. In the national championship final against New Mexico Junior College, Enriquez added 16 points in a hard-fought 57–51 win, once again setting the tone offensively and making timely plays as EAC closed out the title.

Her tournament performance reflected the level of play she maintained throughout the season. Enriquez earned back-to-back ACCAC Division I Player of the Week honors early in the year and was named to the ACCAC All-Region First Team. She consistently led the team offensively while contributing on the defensive end, regularly guarding opposing teams' top perimeter players and rebounding effectively from the guard position.

Enriquez produced several standout performances during the season, including a 30-point outing on 11-of-16 shooting against Northwest College and multiple 20-plus-point games in conference play. Known for her ability to score from the perimeter and attack off the dribble, she shot the ball efficiently throughout the year and remained a reliable presence in close games.

A graduate of Davis High School and a transfer from North Idaho College, Enriquez emerged as one of the leaders of the EAC roster during her sophomore season. Her poise, consistency, and competitiveness were evident throughout the postseason, and her MVP performance at the national tournament capped a season that ended with conference recognition, regional honors, and a national championship.