Karla Romualdo Named to NJCAA 2026 Women Athletes Of The Year

Congratulations to Karla Romualdo, a sophomore on PCCC’s Women’s Basketball Team who was recently named one of the NJCAA 2026 Women Athletes of the Year. Karla was among the honorees recognized earlier this month at the NJCAA National Girls & Women in Sports Luncheon, held at Middlesex College.

(Photo: Karla with her Women in Sports award and PCCC’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jermaine Emanuel (left) and Director of Athletics Tiago Dos Santos.)

According to NJCAA, Karla received this honor “for her exceptional performance and leadership” and her “accolade highlights
the NJCAA’s commitment to celebrating the contributions of women athletes and fostering and inclusive sports environment.”
In additional to her academic achievement, Karla is and outstanding player on the court and also serves as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

“It was really cool to receive this honor,” said Karla, “especially since this is the first time our region (NJCAA Region 19) participated in this event.” Proud not only of her own honor, but also of the team’s current rankings, Karla declared, “We’re number one! That’s super awesome.”

Currently PCCC’s Women’s Basketball team ranks first in the NJCAA Div III region and 15^th in the nation.  Karla is 7 points per game with 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

“Karla has been an intricate part of what we preach as a team, which is “Defense wins games,” says Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jermaine Emanuel. “She has consistently showcased just that by being number one in blocks per game for the NJCAA DIII. Her length and speed have made it incredibly difficult for opposing teams.”

A center who occasionally plays power forward, Karla has played basketball since high school and credits the sport with getting her through the day. “We are a really close team here at PCCC, the players and the coaches. We’re together all the time, from morning to night and I’m so comfortable with my teammates.”

A graduate of Arts High School in Newark, where she majored in vocal music, Karla was recruited to come and play basketball here.  “PCCC is a very friendly place,” she says. “The coaches and professors are easy to talk to, and even the staff I don’t know by name are very caring.”

An exercise science major, Karla envisions a career as athletic trainer. “That would keep me close to the sport. I would also be helping others who need support.” 

Set to graduate this spring, the honored athlete intends to continue her education toward a bachelor’s degree, but she hasn’t yet decided where she will transfer. “I don’t have a dream school,” she said. “If I’m recruited to play somewhere, I will probably accept, but if I’m not, I will definitely still continue my education.”

If she is not recruited, Karla plans to serve a stint in the National Guard then continue her education afterwards.  “That will help me to support my family and pay college tuition.”

Though she will miss PCCC and seeing her friends here every day, Karla acknowledges that it is time to move on. This is wisdom she learned at home.  “I am close to my family and grateful to my parents for their support and for always encouraging me to keep going.”

Reflecting on Karla’s honor, Coach Emanuel added, “From day one of this 2025-2026 season, Karla has been the leading voice for this women’s program. The combination of being a team player as well as her attributes on the court gave even more reason for Karla to be named to the NJCAA Women Athletes of the Year 2026.”

Learn more about Athletics at PCCC.

Written by Linda Telesco