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NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), already one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the state, is making a major investment in its athletic programs — bringing more opportunities to student athletes and sports fans across the region.
Starting in Spring 2025, NWACC will officially add men’s and women’s track and field to its lineup, marking the next phase of an ambitious expansion that will eventually include soccer, baseball, and softball programs in the near future.
College officials say the move is a response to growing interest from students and the local community. With Northwest Arkansas’s booming population — and with high school athletics thriving across Benton and Washington counties — NWACC sees an opportunity to give local athletes a chance to continue competing at the college level without leaving the area.
"We’re seeing so much talent coming out of local high schools," NWACC officials said in a recent statement. "By expanding our athletic programs, we can give these student-athletes a chance to pursue both their academic and athletic dreams right here at home."
The track and field program will be NWACC’s first venture into intercollegiate competition since adding cross-country in 2021. College officials believe the success of that program helped demonstrate the potential for even more competitive sports.
The long-term plan includes:
Full men’s and women’s track and field teams
Men’s and women’s soccer
Baseball
Softball
NWACC’s athletic expansion is part of a broader trend across Northwest Arkansas, where new sports teams and facilities continue to emerge to meet the growing population. In fact, NWACC’s expansion coincides with major developments like the upcoming Ozark United FC soccer stadium in Rogers and upgrades to youth athletic complexes throughout the region.
For NWACC, it’s not just about competition — it’s about community.
"Athletics bring people together," one college representative noted. "It builds campus spirit, supports student engagement, and helps create a full college experience."
NWACC’s athletic growth is yet another example of how Northwest Arkansas continues to invest in its future as one of the region’s most dynamic, fast-growing communities.
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