Owens Community College’s women's soccer team returns through National Junior College Athletic Association grant

The Owens Express athletic program continues to grow at Owens Community College as the women’s soccer team has been reintroduced for the 2023 season with the help of the Sport Opportunity Grant, given to the program by the National Junior College Athletic Association, or NJCAA. The grant will provide the women’s soccer program with $2,000. The team was originally part of the athletics program at Owens Community College from 2011 until 2015.

In an article posted on the school’s website, Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director, was quoted about the grant, saying, “Two-year collegiate sports provide student-athletes with the opportunity to further both their athletic and academic careers. The NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant affords the NJCAA Foundation a pathway to continue supporting student-athletes and the member colleges who provide them with these incredible opportunities while also promoting continued growth and development throughout the organization.”

The NJCAA Foundation was established to bolster the benefits the NJCAA national organization supports student athletes, member colleges, and local communities with financial support, community service, program initiatives, and scholarships.

Former Express men’s soccer player Zane Polack has been tapped to be the head coach for the team.

Shelley Whitaker, athletic director at Owens, spoke on the selection of Polack, saying, “We are now in a position to add another sport and women’s soccer is the ideal choice. With Coach Polack on board, we are excited to identify the first recruiting class and look forward to games next fall.”

Polack spoke on his appointment, saying, “I am honored to have the opportunity to empower players while they navigate their own career path.”

Through the support of the NJCAA Foundation and the NJCAA, Owens Community College is able to offer students in the region an option not only on the field of play, but in the classroom. 

Over 70 academic programs are available at Owens Community College, and the school continues to make advancements in its education programs in order to ensure success for its students as they move into the healthcare and skilled trades workforce. 

Polack is a native of Bowling Green. He is being welcomed to Owens after his time with the Express men’s soccer team in 2007 and 2008. He has experience coaching at all levels of the sport, from youth to professional players.

He spoke more about joining Owens, saying, “Owens will provide an opportunity for local players to continue playing after high school and also provide a bridge for players who have aspirations to play at a four-year university. I want to restore the program to compete at a regional and national level.”

More information about Owens Community College can be found at the school’s website.