Six Inducted into Softball Hall of Fame

Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has announced six honorees to be inducted into the NJCAA Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Three coaches and three student-athletes have been honored. Read below for more information on Chelsea Mesa, Lacy Goodman, Rylee Bayless, Lana Ross, Craig Nicholson and Larry Sauceman.

Chelsie Mesa | Student-Athlete | Phoenix College

Chelsie Mesa played NJCAA Division I softball at Phoenix College. Her dedication and passion for softball translated to a lasting impact on her institution and the people around her. Mesa attended Phoenix College in 2004 and 2005 as an infielder. She became a two-time National Champion and MVP as well as a two time All American for the NJCAA/NFCA in 2004-05. She led Phoenix College in home runs, doubles, triples and batting average.

"From the moment she joined our program, Chelsie stood out as a natural leader—her passion, work ethic, and dedication were evident in the way she played and in how she interacted with her teammates," said Phoenix College Head Softball Coach, Heinz Mueller.

After her time at Phoenix College, Mesa took her talents to the University of Arizona where she became an asset to their softball program as a starter in 2006 and 2007. During that time, she won two NCAA National Titles. Her impact on the field was not her only strength. She showed great leadership in her sport and in the community. Mesa has dedicated much of her time to recruitment camps and serving as an ambassador to young softball players across the country, inspiring them to be their best.

Lacy Goodman | Student-Athlete | Phoenix College

Lacy Goodman is another standout softball player from Phoenix College. Competing at the NJCAA Division I level, Goodman left an impressionable impact on the Bears softball program. Her time at Phoenix College came in 2008 and 2009. She led the Bears to a National Title in 2008 and a National Runner-Up finish in 2009. Her performance in 2008 led her to become the NJCAA National Player of the Year. In both of her years at Phoenix College, Goodman became a two-time NJCAA/NFCA All American. She led Phoenix College in home runs both years with 59 all-time, as well as RBIs with 222.

Following her time in Phoenix, Goodman's softball career continued to the next level. From 2010-11, she earned a scholarship to Arizona State University. In her first year at the NCAA level, Goodman helped her team to another National Championship Title. Her passion and energy helped her to succeed at all levels of her career.

"Lacy played with heart and passion every time she stepped onto the field, wearing the PC

uniform with pride. She carried that same energy and commitment to Arizona State, continuing

to elevate her game at the highest level," Coach Mueller said.

Goodman is a role model for young student-athletes, mentoring them to develop as softball players and as people. She has spent much of her time working camps for elementary students.

She has dedicated her time and effort to the Saint Mary's Food Bank to feed the homeless while also volunteering as an academic tutor for the general student population.

Rylee Bayless | Student-Athlete | Northeastern Oklahoma A&M

Rylee Bayless is a name that Northeastern Oklahoma A&M will remember forever as her impact on the softball program has been immeasurable. She has become one of the most decorated players in NJCAA Softball history. Bayless, a native of Winnetonka, OK, played NJCAA Division I softball at NEO A&M in 2015 and 2016. As a Lady Norse in 2015, Bayless was the national leader in hits (133), runs (97) and batting average (.576). That same year, she led her team to a 50-16 finish and a National Runner-Up finish. In 2016, Bayless led the nation in hits (118), runs (111), walks (55), batting average (.621), OBP (.703) and slugging % (1.163). Between her two years, she garnered 251 hits, setting the national record for most hits in a career.

Bayless is no stranger to accolades as she became a two-time 1st Team NJCAA All-Region Selection, two-time NJCAA Region II Player of the Year, two-time 1st Team NJCAA All-American, two-time NJCAA Division I Dudley National Player of the Year, a two-time NJCAA District B Marucci Elite Hitter Award winner and was a member of the NJCAA National Championship All-Tournament team in back-to-back years. In 2016, Bayless was awarded the Betty Jo Graber NJCAA Female Athlete of the Year Award. In the 2016 World Series, Bayless's offensive performance earned her the NJCAA Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Tournament.

Following her time at NEO A&M, Bayless went to Oklahoma State College where she became an imperative force for the team, leading them to the 2019 NCAA World Series. She has played professional softball for Athletes Unlimited as well as the Oklahoma City Spark. Bayless works hard to give back to young softball players, running youth camps in the OKC area.

Lana Ross | Coach | Kansas City Kansas CC

Lana Ross embodies the NJCAA. With 22 years of service, she has made a great impact on the association and every institution she has been a part of. Ross is the head softball coach of Kansas City Kansas Community College. Prior to KCKCC, Ross was the head coach at Iowa Western and Fort Scott. As of March 1st, 2025, Ross has compiled 761 wins and .653 winning percentage over her entire career. In the fall of 2018, Ross joined the KCKCC Softball Program where she has been ever since. During that time, Ross has garnered an overall record of 185-102, qualifying for the National Tournament in 2022. The 2025 season has brought forth much success for the Blue Devils as they have been nationally ranked all season.

Ross has coached 69 First Team All-Region players as well as 53 Second Team All-Region players. Additionally, there have been 14 NJCAA All-Americans, 19 NFCA All-Americans, 88 NJCAA Academic All-Americans and 165 NFCA Academic All-Americans under her leadership. Ross is a five-time Region XI Coach of the Year and Coach Ross was selected as a Coach for the NJCAA All Star team in 2015 where they competed in Surrey, British Columbia and Canada in the prestigious Canadian Open. Ross has a wealth of knowledge and experience that directly

impacted each institution she has been a part of. During her time at Fort Scott, Ross led her team to one of the best finishes in the program's 30-year history. While at Iowa Western, she accumulated a record of 545-238 in her 13 years there. The Reivers won five regional titles, three district titles, and made three appearances at the NJCAA tournament with Ross at the helm.

Craig Nicholson | Coach | Central Arizona

Craig Nicholson has made his mark on the NJCAA for over a decade. Serving as head coach for the Central Arizona College Softball Program for 11 years, Nicholson led his team to four NJCAA National Championship titles in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2005. He also garnered seven conference championships and eight regional titles. Nicholson is a four-time Coach of the Year award winner as well as a three-time NFCA Junior College Coach of the Year. In his 11 years, he registered an impressive record of 723-90.

Once Nicholson's time at Central Arizona came to an end, he moved on to Ball State where he served as the head coach of the softball program. He collected a record of 241-162, becoming the fastest coach in program history to surpass the 100 and 200-win marks. Nicholson spent five seasons at Texas A&M Kingsville compiling a 174-72 record. He became the winningest coach in program history while being the first coach to lead the Javelinas to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Following his time at Kingsville, Nicholson spent two years at Arizona State, leading them to consecutive postseason appearances and a record of 82-34-1. He now serves as the head coach of the University of Akron softball program.

Larry Sauceman | Coach | Walters State

Larry Sauceman has been the driving force to success for the Walters State Softball Program. Serving as head softball coach for 27 years, Sauceman has compiled a record of 1052-372, leading the program to four NJCAA World Series, including a 6th place finish at the 2023 NJCAA Division I World Series where they concluded the season with a 55-4 record. Walters State has won four Tennessee Community College Athletic Association and NJCAA Region VII Tournament titles. During his career, Sauceman has coached 14 NJCAA All-Americans.

What makes Sauceman stand out among the rest is not only his on-field accomplishments, but his impact on the lives of his players. He prioritizes the personal development of his team, ensuring their prosperity in the classroom as well as on the field. His teams over the course of his time at Walters State have maintained an overall GPA above 3.0. His invested time translates to a passion and care for his players that does not go unnoticed. His commitment to the community is strong as he volunteers his time at Girls Incorporated of Morristown as well as holding annual summer softball clinics for local children.