Calhoun Announces The Addition Of Soccer And Women’s Flag Football

Calhoun Community College will expand its athletics program with the addition of men's and women's soccer and women's flag football, beginning in the Fall of 2025. This exciting announcement follows the ACCC's (Alabama Community College Conference) decision to add women's flag football to its lineup, making history as the largest NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) state athletic member conference to offer the sport.

The addition of these sports reflects Calhoun's commitment to fostering student success and engagement both on and off the field. According to Calhoun President Dr. Jimmy Hodges, "This is a transformative moment for Calhoun and our student-athletes. By adding soccer and women's flag football, we're creating new opportunities for our students to develop their talents, compete at a higher level, and become leaders in their communities. Athletics have always been a vital part of the Calhoun experience, and we're excited to see these programs grow."

The soccer program will include both men's and women's teams, offering up to 24 scholarships per team, with additional opportunities for walk-on players. Women's flag football, which has exploded in popularity in recent years, will offer up to 15 scholarships and provide a pathway for female athletes to continue competing after high school.

"We are proud to offer these exciting new programs to our community and our students," said Kassie Mathis, Calhoun's Vice President of Student Services. "Soccer and women's flag football are not just about competition, but they're about teamwork, discipline, and providing access to life-changing opportunities. Offering these programs at no cost to the community underscores our commitment to inclusion and engagement, Mathis adds."

The games will be played primarily at Decatur's Jack Allen Park through a partnership with Decatur Parks and Recreation. AJ Daugherty, Calhoun's Athletics Director, added, "Under the leadership of Dr. Hodges, our athletics department has flourished. We are eager to build on that success and bring these programs to life, providing even more opportunities for students in our immediate communities and beyond."

The Alabama Community College Conference will feature several institutions participating in these sports. Flag football teams will include Calhoun, Shelton State, Snead State, and others, while soccer teams will include Calhoun, Wallace State-Hanceville, and Southern Union, among others. Soccer will feature up to 22 matches during the regular season, and women's flag football will have up to 16 games, making for an action-packed year of competition.

Calhoun will begin the hiring process for soccer coaches immediately, with plans to name a women's flag football coach by the end of January. Tryout details will be announced as coaches are selected.