NPCC athletic programs to move to NJCAA Division I

North Platte – The North Platte Community College volleyball, women’s basketball, softball and golf programs will join the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I ranks beginning July 1.

"Over the past several months we have evaluated what would be best for all our athletic teams moving forward,” said athletic director Kevin O’Connor. “The transition to Division I will enhance our ability to schedule opponents and allow the programs to offer more scholarship aid than what is allowed at the Division II level."

The move comes after the departure of Central Community College, who will be staying in the Division II ranks but joining Region XI.

The transition will allow athletic programs the ability to offer a limited number of full scholarships (tuition, books, fees, room & board) for students interested in continuing their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

All Knights athletic programs will compete alongside Casper, Central Wyoming, Eastern Wyoming, Gillette, Lamar, Laramie County, Luna, McCook, Northeastern, Northwest, Otero, Southeast, Trinidad, Western Nebraska and Western Wyoming in Region IX play.