Yavapai College is All In on Athletics

The fall 2022 semester at Yavapai College is in full swing, and with that comes athletic competition.

At YC, we have made a commitment to athletics by adding programs, support staff and resources.

I am proud that over the past two years, we have added women’s soccer and e-sports, and later this fall, our men’s and women’s basketball teams will tip off seasons for the first time since the programs were discontinued in 2011.

With the addition of these four programs, Yavapai College now sponsors eight National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I teams (men’s soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball), which is the highest level of competition in community college athletics.

Athletics is near and dear to my heart because I was a student-athlete. I played and served as co-captain of my two-time state championship high school team in Kettering, Ohio. Upon graduation, I was afforded the opportunity to attend Eastern Michigan University to play field hockey.

That opportunity existed because of a scholarship; without that financial assistance, I would not have been able to attend college. It provided the opportunity to further my education that, little did I know, would change my life trajectory, become my passion and help me realize my purpose.

Athletics gave me life lessons and skills that have allowed me to progress in my professional career and personal life. These include leadership development, social responsibility, self-management, wellness and life skills. In leadership, I learned how to empower others and inspire action toward group goals. In athletics, you must be dedicated to advancing the group purpose and desired group outcomes, a skill I still use today in leading the college.

Our athletes at Yavapai College are some of the best in the country, and they recognize that they are students and athletes. They accept the rigorous responsibilities of both roles and collectively excel every year in competition and the classroom.

Many of them would not have had this opportunity to continue their athletic endeavors without Yavapai College, and most are going to be our future leaders, similar to where I was when I went to Eastern Michigan.

I am proud of our athletes and fully support all eight athletic programs. We strongly support our athletic programs as one of the best athletic departments at the Division I community college level.

Community support is a crucial aspect of a thriving athletic program. I urge you to attend a game this year and join in on the Roughrider spirit, cheering on our teams that feature many statewide and local Yavapai County standouts.

You can keep up to date on all of the Roughrider athletic news, schedules and results daily at www.goroughriders.com. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D.

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the tenth president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.