College athletics is a catalyst for creating new opportunities to form other student groups — e.g., a pep band, baton twirling line, flag twirling corps, cheerleading team and dance team. Probably more widely known than Kilgore College’s (Texas) athletic teams are the internationally renowned Kilgore College Rangerettes, the world’s first precision dance team and a group that was created to keep fans in their seats at football game halftimes — with a secondary benefit of equalizing the male-female student ratio. Community college students often feel disconnected to their educational institution due to the demands of working part or full time, balancing familial commitments and trying to overcome past negative educational experiences. Athletics is an outlet that builds community and gives an identity to the students who become involved in college activities. Athletics also promotes fundraising whether through alumni or community donations, corporate sponsorships or through sales of college merchandise.

Navarro College (Texas) enjoys a proud tradition as a leader in community college sports. Six Division I intercollegiate sports are offered at this college — football, men’s basketball, baseball, women’s softball, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. In addition, it has won several conference and regional championships.

Intercollegiate athletic programs at community colleges connect students to the institution. Consider the student-athletes who are recruited by a Division I four-year college or university but unable to meet admission requirements. Enrolling in a community college and prevailing over the accompanying negative feelings, they find their place within the college, showered with support from contemporaries, coaches, instructors and community supporters. More confident in the classroom and in their sport, they successfully transition to the four-year institution with a greater understanding of community involvement. Community college athletics provide pathways to success.