The Montgomery County Community College Mustangs women’s basketball team celebrates their historic victory after defeating Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester, 48-42 to win the North Atlantic District Championship—securing their first-ever Regional Championship and a spot in the NJCAA Division III National Championship tournament. Photo by Kelly Dunbar
This season was one of celebrations and milestones for the Montgomery County Community College Mustangs women’s basketball team.
On Saturday, March 1, the Mustangs defeated Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester, 48-42 to win the North Atlantic District Championship, securing their first-ever Regional Championship since MCCC relaunched the Mustangs Intercollegiate Athletics program in 2008. This victory marked their 21st consecutive win of the season.
With this triumph, the team is headed to Rochester, Minnesota, where they will compete against the nation’s top Division III teams for the National Championship title. The tournament takes place from March 12-15 at the Rochester Region Sports Center.
During Saturday’s game, the atmosphere inside MCCC’s gymnasium of the Health Sciences Center was electric with the team’s excitement and the crowd’s deafening cheers. Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shay Collins was moved to tears by the team’s achievement.
“They were determined to win this year after coming so close last year,” said Kelly Dunbar, MCCC Director of Athletics & Campus Recreation, noting that the Mustangs had lost in the semifinals to the same team. “They’re a tight-knit team and have been focused on working together toward this goal. I’m incredibly proud of all the players and coaches. They’ve done an outstanding job.”
Earlier in the season, the team achieved a historic ranking, earning the #15 spot in the nation. The Mustangs compete as a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference within Region XIX, Division III, of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The team is currently ranked #13.
Team captain Rachel Dunn was named Most Valuable Player and 1st Team All-Region. A graduate of North Penn High School, Dunn is currently studying Psychology at MCCC with plans to graduate in May. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she serves as a peer tutor, assisting students in math and chemistry.
“She’s the true definition of a student-athlete,” Dunbar said. “Rachel not only supports her teammates on the court but also helps fellow students achieve their academic goals. She’s an outstanding leader.”
Coach Collins was named Coach of the Year.
“Shay, along with Assistant Coach Latoya Laing, has worked tirelessly to build this program into what it is today,” Dunbar said. “She’s deeply passionate about the team’s success, both on the court and in the classroom.”
Before joining MCCC, Collins served as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Atlantic Cape Community College. From 2018-2020 she was the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Manor College and helped lead them to the semi-finals in 2019.
Collins earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Kean University and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the same institution. Additionally, she earned a master’s in teaching from Relay Graduate School. As a collegiate athlete at Kean University from 2011-2015, she played in the NCAA Sweet 16 and contributed to an ECAC Championship victory.
In addition to Dunn’s recognition, teammate Azjiona Golston was also named to the 1st Team All-Region.
The Mustangs women’s basketball team includes Molly Butler, Lansdale; Alana Decker, Glenside; Rachel Dunn, Lansdale; Azjiona Golston, Norristown; Sanaa Gulledge, Philadelphia; Koumba Samassa, Lansdale; Kyla Taylor, Philadelphia; and Ti’eisha Walker, Philadelphia.
To celebrate the team’s achievement, the College will host a watch party on Wednesday, March 5, when the seeding for next week’s championship competition is revealed.
For more information about the Mustangs Athletics Program, visit the Mustangs Athletics website.