Klamath Community College to Join NWAC in Men’s Soccer in 2025

KLAMATH FALLS, OR — Klamath Community College's men's soccer club team has been accepted into the Northwest Athletic Conference as an officially sanctioned collegiate team for the 2025 season.

The Northwest Athletic Conference is the governing body for 36 community colleges located in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. There are 15 men's and women's sports and 10 championship events.  Approximately 4,200 student-athletes compete in the NWAC representing a student population of over 400,000. Many NWAC student-athletes continue their academic and athletic careers at the NAIA-NCAA levels. The NWAC promotes the three ideals of Character, Competition, and Community. KCC will initially play against teams in the southern region 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."

The KCC Badgers will be the sixth team joining the South Region for men's soccer, which includes Chemeketa Community College, Lane Community College, Portland Community College, Rogue Community College and Southwestern Oregon Community College.

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 that to be academically eligible, they must be enrolled full-time at the college.

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