Vernon College Athletics

Vernon College competes in the NJCAA, the junior college athletic division that bridges high school and four-year university sports with modest scholarships and regional competition. The Chaparrals field teams in five varsity sports with 90 total athletes, representing 5.4% of the 1,656-student body. The college awards $517,564 in athletic scholarships annually, averaging about $5,750 per athlete. Vernon's athletic programs serve primarily as stepping stones for students looking to transfer to four-year universities while developing their skills. The rural Texas location means sports provide important campus community in a town-remote setting. With nearly two-thirds of students being women but men's sports traditionally dominating junior college athletics, the gender balance likely influences which sports receive the most emphasis and resources.