Victoria College becomes member of NJCAA

Victoria College announced on Oct. 8 that it has been accepted to join the National Junior College Athletic Association and begin competing in women's volleyball and men's basketball starting in 2019-20.

"This is a historic day for Victoria College," said VC President Dr. David Hinds. "Our athletes have competed very well in club sports for quite some time, and it is a thrill for the programs to be accepted into the NJCAA and have the opportunity to represent Victoria College at the state and national levels."

Victoria College will compete in Region XIV of the NJCAA's Division I against Alvin Community College, Angelina College, Blinn College, Bossier Parish (La.) Community College, Coastal Bend College, Galveston College, Jacksonville College, Kilgore College, Lamar State College, Laredo College, Navarro College, Northeast Texas Community College, Panola College, Paris Junior College, San Jacinto College, Trinity Valley Community College, Tyler Junior College and Wharton County Junior College.

Victoria College currently competes in the Texas Collegiate Club Sports League in women's volleyball and men's and women's basketball. The Pirates won TCCSL titles in women's volleyball and men's basketball last season.

"We are proud to have Victoria College join the NJCAA," said NJCAA Executive Director Dr. Christopher Parker. "With a well-established program already in place, we are excited for the future of the Pirates and what they will bring to the entire association."

"We will begin scouting and recruiting athletes right away," said VC Women's Volleyball Coach Josh Moore. "We feel we have a great pool of athletes from Victoria and the surrounding area."

Victoria College has fielded football, men's basketball, men's track and field, men's and women's golf, and men's and women's tennis teams in the NJCAA during its 93-year history. The Pirates won national NJCAA men's track and field titles in 1952 and '53.