GHC Athletic Department Announces Changes to Increase Participation in Women's Sports

Posted on: Nov, 5, 2024

In an effort to increase participation in Women’s sports, the athletic department at Grays Harbor College recently announced changes to its programs and strategy. Over the next few years, the college will reintroduce previously suspended, Women’s programs, with a commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive athletic environment.

During the 2024-25 school year, GHC will recruit and hire a head coach dedicated to re-establishing a Women's Soccer program. Once hired, the Women’s Soccer coach will spend the remainder of the academic year focused on recruiting athletes to compete in the 2025-26 school year.

GHC also plans to recruit and hire a head Volleyball coach during the 2025-26 school year, who will dedicate the year to building the team in preparation for competition in the 2026-27 school year. Further evaluations will be made to determine if and when the appropriate timeframe will be to include a Women’s Basketball program at the College.

Last June, GHC suspended its Men’s Golf and Men’s Wrestling programs. Suspending sports at the college includes pausing their activities to reassess factors such as participation, funding, and student interests. An annual evaluation of sports will determine future viability and the potential for reintegration.

The changes in GHC’s athletic offerings follows a comprehensive evaluation of the college’s athletic programs, which included a survey sent to GHC’s student body. The results of the survey overwhelmingly demonstrated student interest in Women’s Soccer and Volleyball. The college’s decision to introduce Women’s Soccer and Volleyball will help GHC ensure a more varied athletic experience for its students.

In recent years, GHC has faced challenges in securing coaches for its athletic programs. According to Athletic Director Jody Pope, GHC is committed to overcoming these obstacles and investing in the future of Women’s sports at GHC. "We recognize the importance of offering diverse athletic opportunities that reflect the interests of our student body. By expanding our Women's sports programs, we are not only enhancing our athletic offerings but also fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all student-athletes," said Pope.

More information on GHC’s athletic programs can be found at ghcathletics.com.