Competitive sports return to Maine’s community colleges for 2021-22

AUGUSTA, ME — A full range of competitive sports are back this fall for students at Central Maine Community College and Southern Maine Community College, both members of the Yankee Small College Conference.

“Competitive sports are an important part of the college experience for many students, whether they’re competing or watching the games,” said David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System. “As we expand our in-person instruction and campus access, I’m very happy to announce that many more sports opportunities will be available as well.”

The pandemic limited sports opportunities last year, including all competitions. CMCC and SMCC were able to continue some athletic training and programming within COVID-19 safety guidelines.

For the 2021-22 academic year, the two colleges will follow state and local health safety protocols, as well as Yankee Small College Conference guidelines. Each will also have college-specific guidelines to address the use of their unique spaces and in support of safe and meaningful student athlete opportunities.

In 2021-22, CMCC plans to offer men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, cross country and track, men’s baseball and ice hockey and women’s softball and volleyball. SMCC plans to offer men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, men’s baseball, women’s softball and volleyball, and co-ed golf.

The Yankee Small College Conference sponsors 11 championship sports and has a membership of 10 institutions across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York.

CMCC, in Auburn, and SMCC, in South Portland and Brunswick, are also members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, a national governing body of small college athletic programs across the country.