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Posted: Jun 12, 2025

HISTORY

Pierce College Athletic Department — A History of Excellence

Located in the heart of Pierce County, the Pierce College Athletic Department has been a vibrant part of campus life for decades, enriching student experiences and fostering a tradition of athletic and academic excellence.

Pierce College, with campuses in Lakewood and Puyallup, is a proud member of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) — the largest independent two-year intercollegiate athletic conference in the United States, comprised of 36 member colleges across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. NWAC membership provides student-athletes at Pierce College with opportunities to compete at a high level and gain exposure for advancement to four-year institutions.

Origins & Growth

Pierce College was established in 1967 as Clover Park Community College. The college’s athletic program officially began in 1968 with the launch of men’s basketball. Over the years, the program has expanded significantly and now reflects a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and student opportunity.

Athletic Programs

Pierce College currently fields teams for women in:

  • Basketball

  • Softball

  • Volleyball

  • Cross Country

  • Track & Field

And for men in:

  • Baseball

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

These intercollegiate athletic programs are enthusiastically supported and endorsed by the students, faculty, administration, and the Board of Trustees for the Pierce College District. They provide valuable leadership, teamwork, and competitive experiences that complement classroom learning.

Competitive Achievements

Raider Athletics has a rich tradition of success and accomplishment. Since the college's inaugural athletic season in 1968, Raiders teams have captured conference championships in:

  • Tennis (1975)

  • Softball (1982)

  • Soccer (1992)

  • Baseball (2012)

In addition to these championship seasons, Raiders teams have made numerous appearances in post-season playoff competition. Recent highlights include four teams qualifying for the playoffs during the 2016–17 academic year. The men’s soccer team earned a third-place finish in 2017, while the men’s baseball team placed third in 2016. Individual athletes have consistently earned divisional all-star honors for their contributions.

Academic Excellence

Success in the classroom is the cornerstone of the Raider athletic experience. Academic retention and completion rates for student-athletes at Pierce College are among the highest in the NWAC. Students benefit from high-quality instruction provided by a dedicated faculty, as well as access to a broad array of academic support services. Increasing numbers of Raiders have successfully transferred to four-year institutions, continuing their athletic and academic journeys.

Honoring a Legacy

In November 2017, Pierce College celebrated 50 years of Raider Athletics by inducting three student-athletes, an athletic director/coach, and two teams into the third class of the Athletic Hall of Fame. Earlier, in June 2010, two student-athletes and one team were inducted into the NWAC Hall of Fame—the first Pierce College athletes ever to be honored at that level. The excellence these individuals demonstrated in competition, academics, and their professional and personal lives is a direct reflection of the strength and impact of the Raider student-athlete experience. Additionally, in the winter of 2024, Pierce Athletics inducted another five athletes, one coach, and one team into the Pierce College Athletic Hall of Fame, as well as one Outstanding Service award. Most recently, the NWAC added one more Raider student-athlete, as well as the 1992 Men's Soccer team to the NWAC Hall of Fame.

Looking Ahead

As Pierce College continues to grow and innovate, the Athletic Department remains committed to building programs that reflect the college’s values of access, inclusion, and excellence. With talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and strong community support, the future of Pierce College Athletics is as promising as its legacy is proud.