Open House for Women's Athletics a Success
Athletes and their parents were on hand June 22 to learn about athletic opportunities at the College. (Photo by Kadisia Archer)
Almost 20 potential athletes showed up in person for Thomas Nelson's open house for women's athletics, with nearly another 20 participating online.
With the College adding softball and women's volleyball teams for the 2022-23 academic year, the June 22 event also was a recruiting tool. Several current athletes answered questions and explained what it takes to be an athlete on the college level. The audience included current students and prospective students.
After President Towuanna Porter Brannon welcomed guests, interim athletics director and former men's and women's basketball coach Angela Jackson presented a brief history of athletics at the College, which currently fields teams for baseball and men's and women's basketball. Women's basketball coach Keith Stagg discussed the requirements for athletes, among them a high school diploma or GED, and taking at least 12 credit hours in an academic program. A question-and-answer session rounded out the program after an overview on academics and advising by Michelle Manfred, the director of information services.
Date for tryouts are pending for the next academic year. However, officials anticipate setting a date soon for volleyball given that it is a fall sport. And women's volleyball will be a club sport for one year before joining the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Softball is a spring sport, as is baseball, but both sports will have a less formal fall season.
The College's hiring process for an athletics director is underway. The athletics director will be tasked to hire two new coaches. Two more teams will be added for the 2023-24 academic year, and another two sports for 2024-25 are being decided upon. Possibilities include soccer, track and field, and cross country.
For more information about athletics, academic and workforce development programs, visit vpcc.edu.