Information for this report provided by Pima College media relations:
Sophomores Sierra Mich’l and Fama Thiam were selected NJCAA Division II All-Americans.
They became the 16th and 17th women’s basketball players to be named All-Americans in program history
Mich’l, a forward, was named first team NJCAA All-American. She started in all 10 games of the season, averaging 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.9 blocks. She shot 38.1 percent from the field and 80.3 percent from the free throw line.
She signed her letter of intent to play at Northern Arizona University starting in the fall.
Mich’l was thrilled and honored to be named a first team All-American.
“Being an All-American has been a goal of mine since I came to Pima,” said Mich’l. “I definitely didn’t expect to be an All-American at all especially with our shortened season, let alone a first team All-American; so I was ecstatic when I found out.
“It’s truly an honor and I’m happy to be able to leave Pima on such a high note as an All-American and with a top 10 finish at Nationals.”
Thiam, a guard, was selected second team NJCAA All-American. She played and started all 10 games this season averaging 13.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
She signed her letter of intent to play at New Mexico State University.
Thiam was grateful to be named an All-American, thanking the coaching staff and praising her teammates.
“I’m beyond grateful and honored to be chosen to be a part of something so special,” Thiam said. “I’m extremely thankful to my coaches for giving me the opportunity to play JUCO and to be part of such an incredible team.
“I’m happy to say this is only the beginning for me.”
Mich’l and Thiam were both named first team All-ACCAC and All-Region I, Division II. Pima won the NJCAA Southwest District Championship and took eighth place at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.
The Aztecs finished the shortened season with a record of 5-5.
Pima head coach Todd Holthaus has produced NJCAA All-Americans in 12 of 14 seasons at the helm. This is the fifth straight year the Aztecs have an NJCAA All-American.
“Incredibly proud of and happy for Sierra and Fama,” said Holthaus. “Given the abbreviated season we had, I was worried that they wouldn’t get the recognition that they deserved. However, making it to Nationals obviously helped in getting them the necessary exposure.
“Now their names hang in the gym with all the other Pima Women’s Basketball Legends.”
Mich’l and Thiam join the list of All-Americans that Holthaus has coached at Pima which includes: Jessie Ingraham (2008), Tia Morrison (2009, 2010), Abyee Maracigan (2009, 2010), Deanna Daniels (2011), A’jha Edwards (2013), Raja Moreno-Ross (2014), Sydni Stallworth (2016, 2017), Jacqulynn Nakai (2018, 2019), Shauna Bribiescas (2019) and Hallie Lawson (2020).
Latrina Bennett was the first Aztecs women’s basketball NJCAA All-American in 1994.
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com writing intern Kevin Murphy was born and raised in Tucson, and has followed Arizona Wildcats athletics since childhood. He is currently attending Pima Community College where he writes for the Aztec Press. Next semester he will be attending the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU where he will work towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies.
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