Robeson Community College to launch sports programs in 2025

LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW) — Soon, you’ll be able to say, ‘take me out to the ballgame,” the RCC ballgame, that is.

Robeson Community College has forged partnerships with Lumbee River EMC and the City of Lumberton that is paving the way for the college to begin an athletics program. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by RCC and the City of Lumberton concerning the shared use of Field 5 and the multipurpose field at Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex in Lumberton.

RCC will offer men’s baseball and women’s soccer, slated to begin in late 2025.

“This has probably been the number one question that I have received from constituents since I began serving as President – when will RCC add a sports team – and I’m thankful to finally be able to say that historic day has now come,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “Soon, RCC will have its very own athletics program and it is going to be a great addition to our campus.”

The partnership between Lumbee River EMC and Robeson Community College is a pivotal development for educational and athletic opportunities in Robeson County. Through the creation of an athletic program, this collaboration will enhance the overall student experience, promoting academic excellence, physical fitness, and teamwork.

The City of Lumberton hopes the new athletics program at Robeson Community College will help bring people together and create a new sense of pride in the community.

“The City of Lumberton is very honored to be a part of this historic moment in RCC’s history,” stated Mayor Bruce Davis. “Sporting events have a way of bringing people in the community together, there’s a spirit of unity involved as everyone gets behind their home team and cheers them on – and for the City of Lumberton and Robeson County – that will be Team RCC!”

With the signing of the MOU, there will still be much work to be done behind the scenes before the athletic program can begin. RCC will need to hire an athletic director, coaches, as well as become a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). And, the college will need to recruit players for its inaugural team. RCC will also need to determine a mascot and design for its sports team, but Singler believes all the work will be well worth it.

“The addition of athletics to our campus will bring vitality to our campus, and provide a renewed sense of student life, as well as build synergy within our community,” RCC President Melissa Singler said. “The addition of sports will enhance our curriculum programs, making our programs more competitive and more highly sought after, increasing awareness of our programs of study and the success that can be achieved through attending a community college.”

Until then, it will be ‘game on’ as RCC will begin laying the groundwork and moving forward with all the preparations necessary to get the program up and running.

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