Central Lakes College-Brainerd Athletics

The Raiders compete in the NCCAA with 8 varsity sports and 142 total athletes. About 10% of the 1,486 students participate in athletics, creating a tight-knit sports community. The NCCAA is a Christian college athletic association that sits between recreational and highly competitive levels, offering meaningful competition without the pressure of major college sports. Central Lakes offers no athletic scholarships, keeping the focus on academics and personal development. The college draws athletes primarily from Minnesota, with 94% of students coming from in-state. Hockey culture runs deep in this part of Minnesota, and the college taps into the region's strong tradition of winter sports. The Raiders provide students a chance to continue competing while pursuing technical and transfer programs.