Competition will begin in Nov. 2022
Yavapai College has announced the return of men’s and women’s basketball to NJCAA varsity competition.
Both the men’s and women’s programs were discontinued in 2011 but will be reinstated for competition beginning in November 2022 for the 2022-23 season, where they will be competing in the Arizona Community College Athletic Association (ACCAC).
“Basketball is a popular sport and a great way to bring the community together. After several conversations with both internal and external constituents and with the financial support of a generous donor, we decided to bring basketball back to YC,” said Dr. Lisa B. Rhine, President of Yavapai College.
“We plan to create an atmosphere that is both fun and family-friendly, making YC a great destination for local family fun. Both men’s and women’s basketball are rooted in the history of this institution, and we are all excited to welcome back the game, our alumni, and community to help us grow our programs,” added Rodney Jenkins, Vice President, Community Relations & Student Development.
The men and women last played basketball at Yavapai during the 2010-11 season, with the men’s program starting back in 1970-71 and the women’s program starting in 1977-78. Overall, the men’s all-time record is 674-458, while the women’s all-time record is 713-282.
“Bringing back men’s and women’s basketball has been a dream of mine for many years,” Director of Athletics (and the former women’s basketball coach of 15 years) Brad Clifford said. “This is a special day for Yavapai College, the athletics department, and our communities. There is a lot of basketball history at YC and in northern Arizona, and this is just the beginning of an exciting new era for us.”
Alumni of the men’s and women’s programs are already excited for their return. “It is great to hear that YC is bringing back men’s and women’s basketball,” said Christina Wombacher, YC women’s basketball alumnae and Senior Associate Athletic Director at Arizona State University. “I look forward to watching the student athletes have as great of an experience at YC as I did.”
Coaching searches for both programs will start immediately.
The new coaching hires will be formally announced on November 18 at Yavapai College’s Basketball Celebration at Walraven Gymnasium to kick off the start of the reinstated programs. Alumni are invited and encouraged to attend. Timing and full event details are TBA. Stay tuned on GoRoughriders.com and all of Yavapai athletics’ social media channels for more information.