Two New Varsity Sports Added at JSC

Men's Golf and Women's Volleyball to Launch in Fall 2009

When students return to campus in fall 2009, they will be greeted by the chance to enroll for two new sports: men's golf and women's volleyball — both fall varsity programs. The additions will increase the athletic offerings at JSC to 12 varsity sports. Current varsity teams include both men's and women's soccer, basketball, tennis, and cross-country running. In addition, the college fields a women's softball team, and a men's lacrosse team.


"These two sports make sense for our athletic department," says Director of Athletics Barbara Lougee. "They fit our facilities, staffing, and size, and are beneficial for conference alignment and scheduling needs."


"Golf is interesting because it can be a lifelong sport," adds Assistant Athletic Director Michael Osborne. "Volleyball is an up-and-coming sport in the state of Vermont. . . it's a sport that is played by many, both outdoors and indoors, and many prospective students have played it in physical education classes."


JSC President Barbara E. Murphy is enthusiastic about the new sports additions. "We're simply delighted to offer these new additions to our athletic program. Our varsity athletes challenge themselves and learn important skills in terms of learning to set and achieve goals."


According to Murphy, the average student-athlete at Johnson State College carries a higher cumulative grade-point average when compared to the rest of the college population. Student- athletes are also well represented in clubs and committees around the campus, and in community service projects such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the "Shooting for Goals" program, and the Lamoille Valley Mentoring Partnership.


To remain in compliance with the NCAA, all Division III schools with an enrollment of 1,000 or more will need to offer a minimum of 12 varsity sports by the year 2010. This requirement is, in part, the reason for the additional teams. But equally important is the college's continuing effort to offer programming and activities designed to meet the current and projected needs of JSC students.

For more information contact: Assistant Athletic Director Michael Osborne at 802-635-1470 or e-mail: michael.osborne@jsc.edu