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Graphic announcing NJCAA Division I National Championship Coach of the Tournament. The image features three photos of Eastern Arizona College head coach Angelica de Paulo, including holding a championship trophy, coaching from the sideline, and standing on a net ladder after the title win, with EAC and NJCAA championship logos visible.
Posted: Apr 08, 2026

De Paulo Named NJCAA Coach of the Tournament After Championship Run

THATCHER, Az. – Eastern Arizona College head women's basketball coach Angelica de Paulo was named NJCAA Coach of the Tournament after leading the Lady Gila Monsters to the 2026 NJCAA Division I National Championship, completing a historic postseason run.

Despite falling short in the Region 1 and West District championship games, Eastern Arizona entered the national tournament resilient and focused. De Paulo guided the Lady Monsters to a 33–2 overall record, including a perfect 15–0 ACCAC conference mark, finishing the season as one of the most consistent teams in the country. EAC posted an undefeated record in true road games (10–0) and neutral-site contests (11–0), positioning the team well for postseason play.

At the NJCAA National Tournament, Eastern Arizona responded with its best basketball of the season. The Lady Monsters opened the national run with a 62–36 win over Southwestern Illinois College in the second round before defeating College of Southern Idaho 64–56 in the quarterfinals. EAC followed with a dominant 56–29 semifinal victory over Trinity Valley Community College to advance to the national championship game.

In the title game, Eastern Arizona defeated New Mexico Junior College 57–51 to secure the national championship. The win was especially meaningful for De Paulo, as New Mexico Junior College is her alma mater. Throughout the tournament, EAC showcased defensive discipline, depth, and composure, holding opponents under 60 points in every national tournament game.

De Paulo's leadership during the national tournament earned her NJCAA Coach of the Tournament honors, recognizing her ability to prepare and guide her team through high-pressure postseason competition. The championship capped EAC's third consecutive Final Four appearance and marked the program's first national title under her leadership.

Now in her fourth season as head coach, De Paulo has established Eastern Arizona as a perennial national contender. In her first year at the helm, she led EAC to a 29–1 record, followed by a Final Four run in 2024. With another semifinal appearance in 2025 and a national championship in 2026, her teams have reached the Final Four in each of the past three seasons. She was also named ACCAC Coach of the Year for the 2025–26 season.

Before becoming head coach in 2022, De Paulo spent two seasons as an assistant at Eastern Arizona, helping the program compile a 48–8 record and win a Region 1 championship. She was honored as the WBCA Two-Year College Assistant Coach of the Year in 2022. Under her guidance, multiple players have earned All-American recognition and moved on to NCAA Division I and II programs.

A native of São Paulo, Brazil, De Paulo played at New Mexico Junior College, where she earned NJCAA First Team All-American honors and was named Region 5 Player of the Year, before completing her career at Utah State University.

De Paulo has consistently credited God, her players, staff, and the opportunities she has received for her success. Her selection as NJCAA Coach of the Tournament reflects a championship season defined by resilience, preparation, and execution when it mattered most.