Top 20 NJCAA Soccer Programs in 2025
Maria Rezhylo
All-American swimmer & swim coach
Introduction
TheNational Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)represents the pinnacle of two-year college athletics, with over 200 soccer programs competing acrossthree divisions.
These programs serve as crucial stepping stones to NCAA Division I universities and professional careers.
From Monroe College's back-to-back national championships to Iowa Western's unprecedented winning streaks, NJCAA soccer showcases elite talent and fierce competition.
This comprehensive ranking evaluates the top 10 men's and women's programs based on recent performance (2022-2024), championship history, player development, and scholarship opportunities.
How We Ranked Junior College Teams
Our rankings are based on clear and objective criteria:
Recent Performance (2022-2024)
We analyzed win-loss-draw records, conference championships, and NJCAA tournament success over the past three seasons. National championship appearances and advancements held significant importance. We tracked results from quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship games, prioritizing recent titles over historical ones.
Scholarship Resources
Division I programs offering full athletic scholarships (tuition, room, board) typically attract stronger talent than Division II (partial) or Division III (no athletic aid) programs. We recognized excellence within each division while acknowledging the competitive advantages of fully-funded programs.
Historical Excellence
While emphasizing recent success, we considered sustained excellence. Programs like Tyler JC's six men's titles and Yavapai's seven championships demonstrate lasting cultures of winning.
Player Development
Transfer success to NCAA programs and professional leagues validated coaching quality. We noted that programs consistently send players to Power Five conferences or produce NJCAA All-Americans and National Players of the Year.
Top 10 NJCAA Men's Soccer Teams in 2025
1. Monroe College (New York)
- Conference: Region 15 (Independent)
- Location: New Rochelle, NY
- 2022-24 Record: 33-8-8
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Marcus DiBernardo (2008-)
- Best Finish: D-I Champs 2019, 2022, 2023
- Home Field: Skidelsky Field (500)
The Mustangs captured back-to-back national titles in 2022-23, establishing themselves as the premier program of the decade. DiBernardo's squad appeared in four of five D-I championship games, finally breaking through after runner-up heartbreaks. Monroe's pipeline to NCAA Division I and professional clubs makes them a destination for elite talent seeking exposure and development.
2. Tyler Junior College (TX)
- Conference: Region XIV
- Location: Tyler, TX
- 2022-24 Record: 52-6-4
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Steve Clements (2003-)
- Best Finish: 6x D-I Champion
- Home Field: Pat Hartley Field (500)
Under legendary coach Steve Clements' tenure of over 500 wins, the Apaches remain championship contenders, despite their last title coming in 2017. Six national championships tie them for the second-most all-time, with an incredible run of titles from 2009 to 2017. The program's reputation attracts top domestic and international talent, with alumni regularly signing NCAA Division I scholarships and professional contracts.
3. Iowa Western Community College (IA)
- Conference: ICCAC (Region 11)
- Location: Council Bluffs, IA
- 2022-24 Record: 64-1-4
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Adam Sanchez (2025-)
- Best Finish: D-I Champs 2013, 2023, 2024
- Home Field: IWCC Soccer Complex
The Reivers' dominance reached historic levels, winning undefeated national championships in 2023 and 2024, and compiling a remarkable 36-match winning streak. Their 64-1-4 record over three seasons represents unprecedented excellence in the NJCAA. The program opened the new John & Harriet Wiebe Soccer Complex in 2024 while maintaining their championship culture through coaching transitions.
4. Eastern Florida State (FL)
- Conference: Region 8 (FCSAA)
- Location: Melbourne, FL
- 2022-24 Record: 47-9-7
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Adam Butler (2021-)
- Best Finish: D-I Runner-up (4x)
- Home Field: Orlando Health Stadium (1,000)
The Titans embody "always the bridesmaid" with four runner-up finishes (2014, 2015, 2019, 2023) but no national title yet. Butler's first three seasons produced three consecutive national tournament appearances, including the heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss to Iowa Western in the 2023 final. Their Orlando Health Stadium ranks among the NJCAA's finest facilities, having previously hosted women's championships.
5. Arizona Western (AZ)
- Confennce: ACCAC (Region 1)
- Location: Yuma, AZ
- 2022-24 Record: 49-7-3
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Kenny Dale (2017-)
- Best Finish: D-I Runner-up 2018, 2022
- Home Field: Matador Soccer Field (500)
The Matadors' Cinderella run to the 2022 national final as a #7 seed showcased their championship pedigree, though they fell 2-0 to Monroe. Dale, a former USL coach, emphasizes international recruiting and elite fitness levels that help teams compete in Yuma's desert heat. The program produced NJCAA All-American Denzel Akyirem in 2023 and consistently sends players to NCAA Division I programs, such as Akron and Grand Canyon.
6. Indian Hills Community College (IA)
- Conference: ICCAC (Region 11)
- Location: Ottumwa, IA
- 2022-24 Record: 52-7-4
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: James Balcombe (2020-)
- Best Finish: D-I Semifinalist 2023
- Home Field: IHCC Soccer Complex (300)
The Warriors built a consistent national contender under alumnus-turned-coach Balcombe, reaching the 2023 semifinals and maintaining top-2 rankings. Their disciplined defense (a 0.86 team GAA in 2023) and international roster, featuring players from 10+ countries, create a unique multicultural environment in small-town Iowa. With 50+ wins over three seasons and four straight NJCAA tournament appearances, Indian Hills established itself as Iowa Western's primary regional challenger.
7. Salt Lake Community College (UT)
- Conference: SWAC (Region 18)
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- 2022-24 Record: 44-5-7
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Mark Davis (2019-)
- Best Finish: D-I Champion 2021
- Home Field: SLCC Stadium
The Bruins captured the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 national title and have since reached three consecutive semifinals, cementing their status among NJCAA elites. SLCC's ability to recruit top Utah talent and Pacific Islander players creates a unique blend of talent. Playing occasional big matches at Zions Bank Stadium provides a professional atmosphere, while their consistent excellence attracts scouts from NCAA Division I programs throughout the West.
8. Cowley College (KS)
- Conference: KJCCC (Region 6)
- Location: Arkansas City, KS
- 2022-24 Record: 49-8-3
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Collin Coccaro (2022-)
- Best Finish: D-I Runner-up 2024
- Home Field: Tiger Soccer Field (300)
The Tigers' stunning run to the 2024 national championship game as an unseeded team ranks among NJCAA's greatest Cinderella stories. Former player Coccaro instilled an upset-minded mentality that carried Cowley past multiple higher seeds before the team fell to Iowa Western on penalties in the final. This breakthrough followed consistent regional success, marked by three straight Region 6 title game appearances.
9. Barton Community College (KS)
- Conference: KJCCC (Region 6)
- Location: Great Bend, KS
- 2022-24 Record: 52-9-3
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Ousmane Camara (2018-)
- Best Finish: D-I Champion 2000, 2001
- Home Field: Cougar Complex (500)
The Cougars' back-to-back 18-win seasons and 2023 quarterfinal run demonstrate their return to national prominence after their championship years. Camara's French connections bring in technical international players who blend seamlessly with Kansas natives, creating an offense that averages over 3 goals per game. Barton's 60 All-Americans in program history reflect sustained excellence, while their 2021 NJCAA Academic Team of the Year award showcases commitment beyond the field.
10. Daytona State (FL)
- Conference: Region 8 (FCSAA)
- Location: Daytona Beach, FL
- 2022-24 Record: 28-8-9
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Joyce Grable (2019-)
- Best Finish: D-I Champion 2010
- Home Field: DSC Soccer Complex (200)
One of the few female head coaches in men's NJCAA soccer, Grable engineered a remarkable turnaround culminating in the 2024 Region 8 championship—their first since 2010. The Falcons' 2010 national championship (as Daytona Beach CC) remains their golden moment, but the current resurgence suggests more glory ahead. Heavy in-state recruiting in Florida, particularly from the Orlando and Jacksonville areas, provides a steady talent pipeline to complement Grable's tactical expertise.
Top 10 NJCAA Women's Soccer Teams in 2025
1. Iowa Western Community College (IA)
- Conference: Region 11 (ICCAC)
- Location: Council Bluffs, IA
- 2022–24 Record: 59–1–0
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA DI)
- Head Coach: Adam Sanchez (2017–24), Molly Grisham (2025)
- Best Finish: National Champions 2022, 2023
- Home Field: IWCC Soccer Complex
Over three seasons, Iowa Western went unbeaten until the 2024 final, securing back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 while posting a staggering 54-game win streak. Their disciplined defense conceded just five goals in national tournament play, and their recruitment of top international talent fueled this unprecedented run.
2. Tyler Junior College (TX)
- Conference: Region XIV
- Location: Tyler, TX
- 2022–24 Record: 44–9–2
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA DI)
- Head Coach: Corey Rose (2015–present)
- Best Finish: National Champions 2009, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2021
- Home Field: Pat Hartley Field
Tyler's consistently deep roster, strengthened by a balance of local standouts and experienced internationals, has driven five national championships under Coach Rose. Their relentless fitness and tactical flexibility saw them return to the 2024 final, falling just short after a tight 1–0 loss to Iowa Western in overtime.
3. Eastern Florida State College (FL)
- Conference: Region 8 (FCSAA)
- Location: Melbourne, FL
- 2022–24 Record: 39–8–7
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Jeff Carr (2011–present)
- Best Finish: National Runner‑up 2015, 2017, 2023
- Home Field: Orlando Health Stadium
Since 2022, EFSC has reached three straight Final Fours, blending Florida's top youth talent with key international recruits. Their possession-focused approach, which has limited them to just eight goals in the 2024 season, highlights a program getting closer to its first national championship.
4. Seminole State College (OK)
- Conference: Region 2
- Location: Seminole, OK
- 2022–24 Record: 57–6–1
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Dan Hill (2015–present)
- Best Finish: 3rd Place 2021
- Home Field: Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex
Dominating Region 2 with an unblemished 16–0 conference record in 2023, Seminole State's high‑octane offense tallied 124 goals in 2024. Their rapid rise to a perennial Final Four team highlights Coach Hill's ability to identify and develop international talent, as well as their offensive excellence.
5. Navarro College (TX)
- Conference: Region XIV
- Location: Corsicana, TX
- 2022–24 Record: 42–9–3
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Alicia Wilson (2020–present)
- Best Finish: National Champions Spring 2021
- Home Field: Navarro Soccer Field
Navarro's resurgence, capped by their 2021 title in the COVID‑delayed season, combines steadfast defense with opportunistic offense. Coach Wilson's knack for mid‑season recruiting adjustments propelled the Bulldogs back to the 2024 Final Four.
6. Monroe Community College (New York)
- Conference: Region 3
- Location: Rochester, NY
- 2022–24 Record: 36–9–2
- Scholarships: Partial (NJCAA D-I transition)
- Head Coach: Ashley O'Neil (2019–2023)
- Best Finish: National Champions 2022
- Home Field: DiMarco Field
After a dominant 2022 title run, Monroe CC maintained top‑three finishes, showcasing defensive resilience and set‑piece mastery. Their historic 2001 unbeaten title and 2022 championship evidence a storied program adept at adapting under new leadership.
7. Laramie County Community College (WY)
- Conference: Region 9
- Location: Cheyenne, WY
- 2022–24 Record: 44–10–3
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Kevin Durr (2023–present)
- Best Finish: National Champions 2016
- Home Field: LCCC Soccer Field
Riding the legacy of Coach Gardner's two titles, LCCC under Durr returned to Region 9 dominance in 2023. Their high-elevation home advantage and balanced roster propelled them to multiple national runs following the transition.
8. Barton Community College (KS)
- Conference: KJCCC
- Location: Great Bend, KS
- 2022–24 Record: 45–11–1
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Ousmane Camara (2018–present)
- Best Finish: National Semifinals 2022
- Home Field: Cougar Soccer/Track Complex
Barton's women match their men's dual‑program success, making school history with a 2022 semifinal appearance. Coach Camara's emphasis on fitness yielded an 85‑goal season, solidifying Barton's Top 10 status.
9. Cowley College (KS)
- Conference: KJCCC
- Location: Arkansas City, KS
- 2022–24 Record: 41–12–1
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Dane Straight (2021–present)
- Best Finish: Nationals Debut Quarterfinals 2023
- Home Field: Tiger Soccer Field
In their first nationals of 2023, Cowley shocked #2 Seminole State on the way to the quarterfinals. Coach Straight's defensive expertise and expanding recruiting network support the program's rapid rise.
10. Paradise Valley Community College (AZ)
- Conference: ACCAC Region 1
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- 2022–24 Record: 36–18–3
- Scholarships: Full (NJCAA D-I)
- Head Coach: Jon Ruzan (2014–present)
- Best Finish: National Champions 2016
- Home Field: PVCC Soccer Field
PVCC's 2024 return to nationals, fueled by a dramatic PK win over Arizona Western, reaffirmed their historic pedigree. Their strategic night-game scheduling and disciplined defensive identity reflect past championship tactics.
Key Trends in NJCAA Soccer
- 🏆 Monroe College men's back-to-back titles underscore elite recruitment and veteran coaching power.
- 🥇 Iowa Western women's 54‑game win streak highlights program consistency and defensive mastery.
- 🚀 Emerging contenders like Cowley and LSU Eunice showcase rapid ascension through strategic recruiting.
- 🎓 Scholarship leverage fuels Division I dominance, while D‑III dynasties (Richland, Brookhaven) prove that coaching excellence matters.
- 🌎 International pipelines boost top rosters, with many programs blending domestic and global talent.
- 🔄 JUCO-to-NCAA transfer pathways thrive, as NJCAA stars regularly move to Division I programs and pro leagues.
Your Path to Glory: 2026 JUCO Soccer Awaits
For ambitious recruits eyeing NCAA and pro opportunities, JUCO soccer is your launchpad to showcase talent and earn scholarship offers.
Compete under championship‑winning coaches and join a community that celebrates every game‑winning goal, defensive shutout, and standout play.
High‑stakes matches and savvy scouting presence mean each performance builds your highlight reel and attracts college recruiters.
Lace up, step onto the field, and seize your moment—make 2026 the season that takes your soccer journey to new heights.
