Janelle Higgins

Biography

Janelle Higgins served as an assistant coach to the softball program from July of 2024 until April 2026. Higgins brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the Division I level, enhancing her impact on collegiate softball. Coach Higgins arrived at UMES with a distinguished record of excellence both on and off the field. Previously a head coach, Higgins led the North Platte Knights to the Region IX Division II championships in 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2021, with Higgins earning Region IX Division II Coach of the Year honors each of those years. Her exceptional leadership was also recognized with the Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards in 2012 and 2017, and she was named Co-Coach of the Year in 2016. Currently, Higgins serves as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion region ambassador for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Her tenure at NPCC has been marked by remarkable achievements, including NCCAC championships in 2012 and 2017, co-conference championships in 2016, and NCCAC runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2015. Higgins has nurtured an impressive roster of athletes, with 39 Nebraska Community College All-Region IX athletes, 57 All-Region IX academic athletes, and numerous accolades, including NJCAA Academic Achievement awards, NFCA All-American Scholar honors, and NFCA All-Region Midwest recognitions. Before her impactful role at NPCC, Higgins contributed her expertise at Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana,