CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 12, 2019) - The National Junior College Athletic Association has released its 2019 All-America baseball and softball teams and a total of 16 Region 8 participants were recognized for their performance on the diamond. 

Half of the 16 earned First-team All-America honors, including College of Central Florida outfielder James Nix, whose resume previously included Mid-Florida Conference and FCSAA State Player of the Year honors. St. Petersburg College's Dustin Harris joined Nix on the first-team baseball list.

As expected, Region 8 dominated the softball All-America teams. Six players were named to the first-team, including two from national champion Chipola College - catcher Candela Figueroa and utility player Amy Woodham. Florida SouthWestern State College had the most first-team selections with three - pitcher Kelsi Collins, infielder Rebeca Laudino and designated player Owen Bowers. 

Seminole State College catcher Chelsea Peace rounded out the first-team picks. 

Central Florida, who won the FCSAA State Softball Championship, had a pair of second-team All-Americans - infielder Tiffany Steczo and outfielder Maggie Trgo.

Chipola finished with five total selections - outfielder Eila Infante was named to the second-team while pitcher Brianna Bailey and infielder Haley Sandridge were third-team picks. 

Outfielder Paris Woods, a third-team pick, gave Florida SouthWestern four total selections. 

Florida SouthWestern joined Central Florida with baseball and softball All-Americans when pitcher Ryan Gusto was named to the second-team. 

Northwest Florida State College pitcher Jake Kelchner was an honorable mention selection. 

A pair of Region 8 baseball standouts also received Rawlings Gold Gloves for their defensive work - Northwest Florida State second baseball Mikey Madej and Miami Dade College shortstop Raphy Almazara.