NorthWest Arkansas Community College is continuing to expand its athletic programs.

The community college is in the process of hiring both women’s and men’s soccer coaches, with plans to put teams on the field in fall 2026.

A cross country team launched in 2021 as NWACC’s first foray into athletics, and a track program started earlier this year.

The college’s esports team — competitive video gaming — also falls under the athletics umbrella. That program began in 2025.

Baseball is scheduled to follow soccer in 2028, with softball launching in 2029.

About 65 students currently participate in NWACC athletics — a number that’s expected to grow significantly as more programs are added.

The programs are funded through student fees, along with private donations. While the college currently uses borrowed facilities around town, its campus master plan includes future athletic facilities.

Brooke Brewer, who was hired as athletic director in 2023 to grow NWACC’s offerings, said the school is building out its athletics programs to create a more well-rounded campus experience.

“Historically, our students have seemed to say their experience is very transactional,” Brewer said. “So I park my car, I go to class, I leave class, I get in my car, I go home, versus when we think of a more traditional college experience.”

“I think athletics is a piece of the puzzle in building out the holistic student life experience here,” she said.

Soccer, a more traditional spectator sport than cross country or track, could also help foster stronger connections between NWACC and the broader community, Brewer said.

“I love going to cross country meets, and we love encouraging our students to attend,” Brewer said. “But soccer is more of a spectator sport, and so we’re hoping that that will bring our community together to watch.”

The athletic programs, which offer some scholarship opportunities, provide more options for high school athletes who may not have access to other opportunities. 

“At the high school level, a lot of those students may want to continue athletically, but maybe they're not a D1, University of Arkansas athlete, but they want to have the opportunity to compete and participate. And so they can do that here,” Brewer said.

A few athletes have already transferred to four-year universities after playing on the NWACC’s teams.