Northwest Shoals’ Brianna Oliver to receive 2025-26 Champion Award

Charlotte, NC –  The NJCAA has named Northwest Shoals Community College (AL) softball student-athlete, Brianna Oliver, the recipient of the 2026 NJCAA Champion Award and she will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards on June 18, 2026. 

The Champion Award recognizes current or former members of the NJCAA community who exemplify extraordinary leadership, service, character and commitment to making a difference beyond competition. For Oliver, that commitment extends far beyond the softball diamond. 

When the call comes in, Oliver trades her softball glove for turnout gear. 

A pitcher for the Northwest Shoals Patriots softball team, Oliver also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Hatton Volunteer Fire Department, continuing a family legacy of service that began long before she stepped onto a college campus. Her mother served 12 years as a volunteer firefighter, while her father dedicated 17 years to the department. Watching them respond to emergencies shaped the values that continue to guide her today. 

"Growing up in a firefighter family taught me the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and always being there for people when they need help," Oliver said. "Watching my family respond to emergencies showed me what selflessness looked like, and it shaped the way I carry myself every day." 

Oliver started serving as a volunteer firefighter in July 2025 and has already responded to approximately 80 emergency calls while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics and academics. 

"I've always wanted to help people, and volunteering as a firefighter gave me a way to serve my community while doing something meaningful," Oliver said. "At the same time, softball has always been a huge part of my life, so I never wanted to choose between the two." 

Balancing practices, workouts, classes, games, studying and emergency calls requires discipline and time management. Oliver's classes are completed online, allowing her to study at night and between softball responsibilities while remaining available to serve her community. 

"A typical day for me balancing sports is like any other athlete," Oliver explained. "I still go to the practices and workouts I need to, but I also go on calls as well." 

The demands of pitching and firefighting have proven surprisingly complementary. 

"Pitching has definitely taught me more about handling pressure because I've done it my entire life and have been in high-stress situations multiple times," Oliver said. 

Northwest Shoals coach, Jaiden Farnetti said having a student athlete who is also a community servant is a high-value asset. 

"For a student athlete, who already has a lot of their plate, to be able to be completely present for their team and also in the community is very respectable," Farnetti said. "I am proud of who she is on and off the field." 

Teammate, Preslie Bunch added, "I think that having a player like Bri is a true inspiration for the people at and around our school. It shows we are far more than just softball players. It also is a prime example of the standard we at Northwest Shoals set." 

Despite the challenges of transitioning between softball and emergency service, Oliver credits communication and support from those around her for helping her succeed. 

"My teammates and coaches have been incredibly supportive," she said. "They have always encouraged me to chase both goals. Having people around me who believe in me makes balancing everything a lot easier." 

Having that athletic and academic community surround her is what Oliver says separates the NJCAA experience from the rest. 

"It is community-based and it helps when teachers know you by name and you can have a relationship with your teachers and they can easily work around sports," she said. "All of my teachers have given me a different view on things and have shaped me into someone who understands people more before I assume things." 

For Oliver, service is not about recognition. It is about showing up when people need help the most. 

According to Oliver, one of the most rewarding aspects of firefighting is helping people on what may be the worst day of their lives. Whether assisting an injured resident, helping an elderly neighbor after a fall, or saving cherished belongings from a fire, she believes every act of service matters. 

"To me, making a difference means showing up for people even when it's hard," Oliver said. "Whether it's helping someone, encouraging a teammate, or simply being someone others can rely on, I think small actions can have a huge impact." 

That mindset has defined Oliver's approach to athletics, academics and community service. 

"Success means becoming someone others can depend on," she said. "It's about making my family proud, helping my community, and knowing I gave everything I had in whatever I committed to." 

Oliver encourages student-athletes and everyone in general to become more involved in serving their communities. 

"Volunteering at anything-- nursing homes, church events, fire departments, helping mow yards for the elderly-- anything you do can help the community, even if it is walking down the road and picking trash up." 

As she continues her softball career and studies at Northwest Shoals, Oliver hopes her story inspires others to pursue multiple passions without limitation. 

"That message is important to me because a lot of young girls — and honestly boys too — feel like they have to choose one path or limit themselves," Oliver said. "I want them to know they can be strong, athletic, driven and successful in multiple areas of life. It may not always be easy, but it's possible, and I hope I can inspire someone else to believe that too." 

Whether standing in the pitching circle or responding to an emergency call, Oliver has demonstrated what it means to serve others, lead by example and embody the spirit of the NJCAA Champion Award. 

Oliver will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards on Thursday, June 18 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place at 6:30p.m. The event will recognize the NJCAA Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the 2026 class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame. 

To learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards 

To learn more about past Champion Award recipients, visit: Champion Award Winners 

About the Champion Award 

The Champion Award was established to honor a current or former member of the NJCAA community who exemplifies resilience, excellence, and passion. This is the seventh year this award is being distributed. 

About NJCAA  

Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools, 60,000 athletes and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals.  

#SameGameSameRules – visit NJCAA for more information