Des Moines Area Community College Athletics

DMACC competes in the NCCAA, which emphasizes character development alongside athletic excellence and allows for athletic scholarships. The Bears offer 9 varsity sports to 151 student-athletes, representing just 1.5% of the total enrollment of 10,406. The athletic program distributes $404,000 in scholarships across all sports. This level of competition sits between high school and four-year college athletics, providing a stepping stone for players looking to transfer to larger programs. Many community college athletes use DMACC as a pathway to earn playing time and develop skills before moving to NCAA schools. The small athlete population means sports don't dominate campus culture like at major universities, but the teams still provide school spirit and community connection for students and local residents.