Cougars enter fall sports season on prowl for continued success

The Columbia College women’s soccer team made its 11th straight NAIA National Opening Round appearance last season after going undefeated in the American Midwest Conference. *All photos by CC Athletics*

By Paige Smith

The Fall 2024 athletic seasons are just around the corner as Columbia College chases its eighth consecutive American Midwest Conference (AMC) Presidents’ Cup.

The Cougars have a strong presence on the pitch and on the volleyball court, each coming off AMC Tournament titles.

The Cougar women’s soccer squad is seeking its 10th straight AMC Tournament title, the most of any school in AMC history. During the 2023 campaign, the women’s soccer team also tied the AMC record for regular-season championships with 10, first among active schools. Collectively, the Cougars have made 11 NAIA National Tournament appearances. The women kick off their season at Briar Cliff (Iowa) on Aug. 21.

The CC men’s soccer team also holds the most AMC Tournament titles in AMC history, capturing its 12th last season. Additionally, the Cougars made their 13th NAIA National Tournament appearance, advancing to the Round of 16. The Cougar men are also set to take the field at Briar Cliff on Aug. 21.

For the latest news, recaps and opportunities to watch and follow Columbia College Athletics, visit ColumbiaCougars.com.

The CC women’s volleyball team reached the quarterfinal round of the NAIA National Championships for the second consecutive year in 2023. The Cougars avenged their lone loss of the conference slate with an emphatic 3-2 win over No. 8 Missouri Baptist University in the AMC championship game. The victory gave CC its 23rd AMC Volleyball Tournament title. Volleyball opens its season at home with the CC Tri-Match on Aug. 20.

For the first time, Fall 2024 also brings the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country National Championships to the state-of-the-art Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Missouri. Columbia College will host the competition on Nov. 22 in partnership with the Columbia Sports Commission and the City of Columbia. Both Cougar teams will automatically qualify for the event.

For the latest news, recaps and opportunities to watch and follow Columbia College Athletics, visit ColumbiaCougars.com.