MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College is inviting residents to hear about the proposal to start up men’s and women’s collegiate soccer teams.

For the first time since the college was founded in 1971, the college board will vote on whether to allow MCC to join the National Junior College Athletic Association and launch soccer programs.

Board Members heard the proposal during the Sept. 10 meeting, and will vote on it during the Oct. 8 Board meeting, which will be held in building 500, room 508 on the MCC Havasu campus. College President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein will be available the morning of the Board meeting, from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., to talk with people about the MCC Bighorn Soccer proposal and answer questions.

The college is also holding community information sessions to discuss plans and gather public input. Those meetings will be held via Zoom (https://mohave.zoom.us/j/81680340105) and on the Bullhead City Campus in building 200, room 201 on Thursday, Sept. 23 and Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

The public is also encouraged to email comments about the possibility of the college starting a men’s and women’s soccer program to mcc@mohave.edu. The proposal to launch men’s and women’s college teams is gaining support throughout Mohave County.

Lake Havasu City Mayor Cal Sheehy, an MCC alumnus, is also hopeful the College Board will approve the plans to add men’s and women’s soccer, pointing out the sport’s popularity throughout the region with approximately 3,000 kids annually signed up for youth programs in Havasu, Bullhead City, and Kingman.

“Lake Havasu City and the region has robust youth soccer programs and the addition of a collegiate-level soccer program would be beneficial to our citizens and the students of Mohave Community College,” said Mayor Sheehy. “The addition of a collegiate sports program in our region will support student engagement, student growth, and foster the sense of community for our citizens and students.”

High school coaches throughout the region are also showing support for college teams at MCC. Many submitted comments to the MCC Board that were presented during the Sept. meeting.

“I’m looking forward to the possibility of collegiate soccer at MCC,” Kingman High School Girls’ Soccer Coach Dave Kopecky said. “I believe it will give a lot of girls a chance to participate at a collegiate-level who wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise.”

“I think this is a great idea! Any opportunity for our local youth to continue playing at the next level is amazing!” Mohave High School Athletic Director Amanda Amann said in her message to the Board. “By offering soccer at MCC that would entice many athletes to continue their education where they otherwise might not.”

You can read more about support from community leaders for MCC soccer and other college news at www.Mohave.edu/MohaveWire.