Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is launching its 2026 fall athletics campaign with a sense of pride and ambition. After a record‑setting 2025‑26 campaign that saw the Cavaliers capture their first national baseball championship and send men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer and volleyball to national tournament play, the college’s sports programs are poised to continue the momentum.
Soccer programs aim for national relevance
Both the men’s and women’s soccer squads return to the field with lofty goals. The women’s team, ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA and United Soccer Coaches preseason polls, finished the previous season 21‑1‑1, setting a program record and advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament before a narrow overtime loss to Jones College. Head coach Jim Schwab, the active wins leader in NJCAA women’s soccer, will look to add a national title to his résumé.
On the men’s side, head coach Jeff Cole guided the Cavaliers into the season ranked No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 12 in the NJCAA preseason rankings. The program also celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall, a milestone that underscores its long‑standing contribution to Kansas community college athletics.
Volleyball builds on regional dominance
JCCC’s volleyball program, now in its 19th season under head coach Jennifer Ei, starts the campaign undefeated at 9‑0 and ranked No. 9 nationally. The team captured the Region 6 District championship last year and competed in the NJCAA Plains District B National Championship. Sophomore outside hitter Ava Esser earned a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association Two‑Year College Preseason Watch List, one of only twelve players nationwide to receive the honor.
Coaching staff bolstered by new talent
The college has added former University of Central Missouri assistant Michael Eade to the men’s soccer staff, bringing experience from multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Women’s soccer also welcomes Jason Wichman, who previously served as an assistant for the men’s team and helped guide the Cavaliers to four straight winning seasons.
Award‑winning leadership
JCCC’s success is reflected in its leadership. Athletic Director Tony Tompkins was named Athletic Director of the Year, while men’s basketball coach Rand Chappell and women’s basketball coach Ben Conrad earned Coaches of the Year honors from the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation.
Community support and free admission
All home games remain free and open to the public, offering Johnson County residents a chance to cheer on their local athletes. Schedules and updates are available on the JCCC Athletics website, encouraging families and fans to attend and support the Cavaliers throughout the season.
With a blend of seasoned coaching, promising talent and a supportive community, JCCC’s fall sports program looks set to add new chapters to an already impressive legacy.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
