Anne Arundel Community College Athletics
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), located in Arnold, Maryland, has been a cornerstone of higher education in Anne Arundel County since opening its doors in 1961. Originally established to provide affordable access to college education and workforce training, AACC has grown into one of the nation’s premier community colleges, serving thousands of students each year while maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success and community engagement.
Athletics have been an important part of the college since its earliest days. The program was founded in 1961 by Dr. Johnny Laycock, whose leadership helped transform AACC into one of the top junior college athletic programs in the country. Originally competing as the Pioneers, the college adopted the Riverhawks nickname in 2015 following a campus-wide vote, ushering in a new era of school pride.
Today, the Riverhawks compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 20 and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO). AACC sponsors men’s and women’s varsity programs including baseball, basketball, cross country, esports, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball. The athletic department is dedicated to developing student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom while preparing them to transfer to four-year institutions or pursue successful careers.
AACC has established itself as one of Maryland’s most successful community college athletic programs, winning multiple NJCAA national championships, including titles in men’s lacrosse (1998), softball (2003), women’s lacrosse (2006, 2007 and 2023). Competing at premier facilities on the Arnold campus, the Riverhawks continue to build a tradition of excellence while producing championship teams and student-athletes who excel beyond graduation.
Maryland Sports Blog proudly covers Anne Arundel Community College Athletics as part of our commitment to highlighting every level of sports across the state—from community colleges and high schools to NCAA programs and professional teams. Follow this category for the latest Riverhawks news, game recaps, recruiting, championships, student-athlete features and more.
Anne Arundel Community College Women’s Soccer Falls 1-0 to Harford Community College in the Region 20 DII semifinals as Ryleigh Smoot makes a career-high 17 saves.
Kayley Paugh and Maddie Raynes scored as Anne Arundel Community College women’s soccer defeated CCBC Catonsville, 2-0, to reach the Region 20 semifinals.
AACC Athletics Women’s Soccer will face second-seeded Harford in the Region 20 DII semifinals Wednesday at CCBC Dundalk after defeating CCBC Catonsville, 2-0.
Anne Arundel Community College Athletics announced multiple student-athletes and teams earned spots on the NJCAA All-Academic honor rolls for 2025-26, highlighting their academic success alongside athletic participation.
Anne Arundel Community College has named Mike Rice head coach of its men’s golf team starting July 2026, aiming to bolster the program’s competitiveness.
