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Graphic announcing NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, featuring Angelica de?Paulo clapping on the sideline with NJCAA logo, Eastern Arizona College branding, and bold text reading “NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year – Angelica de?Paulo.”
Posted: Apr 10, 2026

EAC’s de Paulo Selected NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year

THATCHER, Ariz. – Eastern Arizona College head women's basketball coach Angelica de Paulo has been named the 2025–26 NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year, the NJCAA announced on Wednesday, capping a historic season that culminated in the program's first national championship under her leadership.

The national honor adds to an already decorated season for de Paulo, who was also named ACCAC Coach of the Year and NJCAA Coach of the Tournament after guiding the Lady Gila Monsters to the 2026 NJCAA Division I National Championship. She becomes one of the most accomplished coaches in EAC women's basketball history, earning conference, postseason, and national recognition in the same year.

De Paulo led Eastern Arizona to a 33–2 overall record and a perfect 15–0 mark in ACCAC play, establishing the Lady Monsters as one of the most dominant and consistent teams in the country. EAC finished the season undefeated in both true road games (10–0) and neutral-site contests (11–0), showcasing discipline and composure throughout a demanding schedule.

Despite setbacks in the Region I and West District championship game, de Paulo kept her team focused and prepared as Eastern Arizona entered the national tournament. The Monsters delivered their best basketball when it mattered most, opening the NJCAA Tournament with a 62–36 win over Southwestern Illinois before defeating College of Southern Idaho and Trinity Valley en route to the championship game. EAC capped the run with a 57–51 victory over New Mexico Junior College to secure the national title.

Eastern Arizona's success was built on a defense-first identity, as the Lady Monsters held all four national tournament opponents under 60 points. De Paulo's ability to make in‑game adjustments, and maintain her team's composure was evident throughout the postseason, earning her Coach of the Tournament recognition.

Now in her fourth season as head coach, de Paulo has elevated Eastern Arizona into a perennial national power. She has led the Lady Monsters to three consecutive Final Four appearances (2024–26), including a semifinal run in each of the previous two seasons before breaking through with a national championship this year. Under her guidance, EAC has posted remarkable year‑to‑year consistency at the national level.

Prior to becoming head coach in 2022, de Paulo served two seasons as an assistant at Eastern Arizona, helping the program compile a 48–8 record and win a Region I championship. She was named the WBCA Two‑Year College Assistant Coach of the Year in 2022.

A São Paulo, Brazil native, de Paulo played collegiately at New Mexico Junior College, where she earned NJCAA First Team All-American honors and Region 5 Player of the Year, before finishing her career at Utah State. As a coach, she has continued to develop elite talent, with multiple players earning All‑American recognition and advancing to NCAA Division I and II programs.

De Paulo has consistently credited her faith, coaching staff, players, and the Eastern Arizona community for her success. Her selection as NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year stands as a testament to a season defined by excellence, resilience, and championship-level leadership.