Blinn College is excited to announce the addition of men's and women's soccer for the Fall 2018 season.

With the addition of the programs, the Blinn College Athletic Department will include eight teams that participate in NJCAA competition.

"The addition of men's and women's soccer fits perfectly into the mission and values of Blinn College and our athletic department," Athletic Director Scott Schumacher said. "These new intercollegiate sports will create opportunities for local student-athletes seeking an affordable, first-class education."

The Blinn College District Board of Trustees authorized the addition of both programs during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Blinn's men's and women's teams each will compete in the Region XIV Conference.

"We are excited to add to Blinn's tradition of athletic success," said Schumacher. "We look forward to seeing the first women's and men's soccer programs in Blinn College history take the field later this year."

The Blinn College Athletic Department will now begin the search for one head coach to lead both programs. The soccer seasons will run from August to October.

The addition of men's and women's soccer programs are expected to draw an additional 80 student-athletes to the Brenham Campus, offsetting the anticipated program costs. Both teams will be non-scholarship programs.

Chataira Wilson, a freshman from Giddings, became the first athlete to join the Blinn College women's soccer team this week.

"We already have had a very positive reaction from our students," Schumacher said.

Said Wilson, "I was really excited when I heard that Blinn was adding soccer programs, and am ecstatic that I was the first player to pursue this opportunity. I look forward to getting to know the new team and making history."

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 36 NJCAA national championships since 1987.