Lane Community College adds soccer, volleyball programs

By Austin Meek | The Register-Guard

Lane Community College plans to add two varsity sports — men’s soccer and women’s volleyball — starting in 2016.

“We heard the demand from the community, we have seen the growing popularity of these two sports, and we look forward to welcoming these new student athletes to the Lane family,” said Chris Hawken, dean of health, physical education and athletics at Lane. “Our student athletes have a history of success both on and off the field, with great support from our athletics and academic programs.”

The school cited growing interest in the two sports and a lack of collegiate opportunities for local athletes as factors in the decision. The University of Oregon doesn’t have a men’s soccer program and recruits nationally for spots on its volleyball team.

LCC is in the process hiring coaches for both sports and says recruiting is underway. The school, which currently sponsors eight varsity sports, plans to use existing facilities and says the combination of tuition and state reimbursements will outweigh expenses associated with launching the new programs.

“We have excellent indoor and outdoor athletic facilities thanks to the recent bond measure,” Hawken said. “These are facilities our community should be proud of.”