DCCC's Kaba Recognized Among Region 19 Women Athletes of the Year
Edison, NJ—The National Junior College Athletic Association's Region 19 celebrated its Women Athletes of the Year on Sunday at a banquet honoring standout female student-athletes from its member institutions, including Delaware County Community College's Fatumata Kaba. Honorees demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, and school/community leadership and engagement.
In her first year of intercollegiate track-and-field competition as a Phantom last spring, Kaba was a two-time NJCAA DIII National Medalist in field events, an All American, and the USTFCCCA Central Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year. "She is hardworking, dedicated, and excels in all that she puts her mind to," said Head Coach Cara Fordenbacher. "In addition to her track-and-field success at DCCC, her grades are superb, and she is heavily involved on campus."
The NJCAA Region 19 Women in Sports Committee organized and presented the celebration, hosted by Middlesex College, in conjunction with National Girls & Women in Sports Day, commemorated on February 4th this year and marking the 40th anniversary of the movement to empower female athletes, coaches, and leaders.
The Region 19 luncheon featured keynote speakers Tamecka Dixon, a two-time WNBA champion and current high-school girls' basketball coach, and Rutgers Director of Athletics Keli Zinn.
"Being present to support Fatumata during this moment was not only an honor, but also a strong representation of the continued progress and commitment within our athletic department to develop well-rounded student-athletes," said DCCC Athletic Director Dwayne Saunders. "Her achievements reflect the dedication, leadership, and resilience that define our programs. We are proud of Fatu and look forward to seeing her continued success locally, regionally, and nationally."
Region 19 comprises 26 two-year colleges in New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania. According to its Women in Sports Committee, 999 female student-athletes participated across 10 sports (104 women's teams) during the 2024-2025 academic year, representing a 17% increase in female participation across the region from 2021-2022. In 2025, Delaware County Community College offered intercollegiate women's volleyball for the first time since 2016.
Congratulations to our Phantom honoree, Fatumata Kaba, and kudos to all supporting women in community college intercollegiate sports!