Coming off a remarkable 2025-26 season, JCCC’s soccer and volleyball teams enter the fall with energy and excitement.
Last year, the Cavaliers captured the program’s first-ever national championship in baseball, while men’s and women’s basketball and women’s soccer and volleyball all advanced to national tournament competition. Success extended beyond the field, with Athletic Director Tony Tompkins earning Athletic Director of the Year honors and men’s basketball coach Rand Chappell and women’s basketball coach Ben Conrad recently being named Coaches of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation.
This fall, the Cavaliers look to build on those accomplishments as top-ranked women’s soccer returns to the pitch, volleyball defends a regional championship, and men’s soccer celebrates the program’s 50th anniversary.
Men’s soccer celebrates 50 years
Under head coach Jeff Cole, the Cavaliers opened the season ranked No. 10 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 12 in the NJCAA preseason rankings.
JCCC posted one of its strongest finishes in recent years at the end of last season, capturing the Region 6 championship and upsetting nationally ranked Neosho County to claim the program’s first regional title since 2005.
The Cavaliers are also welcoming new assistant coach Michael Eade, who joins the program after helping guide the University of Central Missouri to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Women’s soccer aims for another national run
The JCCC women’s soccer team enters the season with high expectations after an outstanding 2025 campaign. After finishing the season 21-1-1 and having set a new program record, the Cavaliers advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament before falling in overtime to Jones College 4-3—their first loss of the season.
The Cavaliers opened 2026 ranked No. 4 in both the NJCAA and United Soccer Coaches preseason polls. Leading the team is head coach Jim Schwab, the active wins leader in NJCAA women’s soccer and the second-winningest coach in NJCAA women’s soccer history.
The women’s team welcomes a semi-new face to the coaching staff—Jason Wichman—who previously served as assistant coach for JCCC’s men’s soccer team. In his four seasons with the JCCC men’s soccer program, Wichman helped lead the Cavaliers to four consecutive winning seasons with an overall record of 52-21-7, with two KJCCC championships, two conference runner-up finishes, one Region 6 title, and all four teams finishing the season ranked nationally.
Volleyball off to a hot start
The JCCC volleyball program is also generating excitement in its 19th season under head coach Jennifer Ei. The Cavaliers are ranked No. 9 nationally and currently undefeated at 9-0.
The volleyball team is coming off a 25-9 season, which included capturing the Region 6 District championship and competing in the NJCAA Plains District B National Championship.
One player to watch is sophomore outside hitter Ava Esser, who was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Two-Year College Preseason Watch List. Esser was one of only 12 players nationwide selected and one of just two NJCAA Division II student-athletes to earn the honor.
Keep up with the Cavaliers
Whether you’re cheering on nationally ranked soccer teams, watching volleyball compete for another championship, or following future stars on the court and field, there are plenty of opportunities to support the Cavs. All JCCC home games are free and open to the public.
Fans can view complete schedules and keep up with all teams by visiting JCCC Athletics.
