KLAMATH FALLS — Klamath Community College’s soccer club has been accepted into the Northwest Athletic Conference as an officially sanctioned collegiate team to play against five other community colleges starting next year.
The Northwest Athletic Conference is the parent organization for 36 community colleges located in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The NWAC offers conference championship management, team eligibility, online publication and video roundup of games, rule enforcement and sports information. KCC will initially play against teams in the southern district of the conference.
The program was unanimously approved by the KCC Board of Education Tuesday night.
“We are proud to see our soccer team doing so well, that in two short years, it has been accepted into the NWAC family,” said KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez. “But it was not easy. It took a lot of hard work to get there. We look forward to collegiate competition and the growth of our sports sector at KCC.”
Oscar Herrera, KCC director of retention and student success, will be a commissioner for the team, named by Dr. Gutierrez. He will represent the school at conference meetings and ensure the school follows NWAC rules for eligibility.
“We started the soccer club two years ago, and even I was amazed at how quickly it grew,” Herrera said. “It’s become a cornerstone of our community, offering students not just a chance to excel in athletics, but also to receive a solid education. This club is more than just a team; it’s a reason for students to choose KCC, knowing they can pursue their passions both on and off the field.”
There are some 36 teams in the NWAC, and several collegiate sports, but KCC will only compete in the South Region against five other teams. Although, some teams might play as “friendlies and in non-league games,” Herrera said.
The KCC Badgers will be the sixth team joining the South Region.
Vice President for Student Affairs Gail Schull helped shepherd the application to the NWAC.
“We are excited to join the NWAC for the 2025-26 season,” Schull said. “Athletics support a well-rounded college experience and serve as a source of pride. We’ve seen this at our soccer club matches; students, families, college employees, and the community come together and cheer for the KCC Badgers.
The club officially joins the conference starting in August 2025. All players will be KCC student athletes, meaning they will be enrolled at the college.
KCC has also launched a co-ed golf club this fall.
For more details on these colleges, their locations and mascots go to: Member Schools – Northwest Athletic Conference (nwacsports.com)
For more information about KCC and its programs, visit www.klamathcc.edu.
