Picture your child as a student, graduating with an engineering or aviation degree that might launch a career at a major airline, aerospace firm or tech company. Now, picture them making the big play, crossing the finish line and celebrating with teammates who became family. At Vaughn College, they don’t have to choose between a promising future and an unforgettable college experience. They get both. 

Vaughn is one of the nation’s leading institutions for aviation, engineering, technology and management. And Vaughn College athletics proves that students can be just as determined in competition as in the classroom. The College now offers nine varsity sports, along with club and recreational opportunities for every student who wants to be part of something bigger.

This is more than an athletics program. It’s proof that Vaughn students can do it all.

What Sports Does Vaughn College Offer?

Whatever level of competition your child is looking for, there’s a place for them here:

• Varsity Sports (total of nine): Basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis and the newly added track and field
• Club Sports: Baseball and volleyball
• Intramural and Recreational Activities: Pickup games, virtual esports tournaments and Vaughn’s beloved annual ski and snowboarding trip

No student has to sit on the sidelines of college life. Whether they’re chasing a varsity roster spot or just want a fun way to unwind after class, Vaughn makes sure every student feels welcome to join a team, regardless of skill level.

Competing on a National Stage

Vaughn student-athletes compete through the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and have recently joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA), which is a huge step forward for the program. These affiliations mean that Vaughn athletes aren’t just playing games; they’re earning real national recognition, going head-to-head with talented programs, as well as putting Vaughn’s name on the map.

Men’s soccer captain Moaz Amer couldn’t be more excited about this advancement:

“Joining the NACIA is a very exciting step. I think it’s a great opportunity for us to compete at a higher level and represent Vaughn on a larger and more competitive stage.”

Jihad Ceaser, director of athletics and recreation, shares that same energy.

“The move to the NACIA provides our student-athletes with another opportunity to compete and be recognized on a national level. Also, it allows us to compete against local colleges that are similar in size to Vaughn, creating a strong competitive environment for our teams. As our athletics program continues to grow, I am excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring to our student-athletes. This program is on the rise—and your student can be part of writing that story.”

More Than a Game: Building Confidence, Leadership and Lifelong Friendships

Ask any parent what they hope college gives their child, and “confidence,” “discipline” and “lifelong friends” are usually near the top of the list. That’s exactly what the athletics programs deliver at Vaughn.

Coaches don’t just teach skills; they build leaders. By setting expectations, providing structure and holding student-athletes accountable, Vaughn coaches shape the same qualities that make graduates stand out in engineering labs, internships and job interviews down the road. Student-athletes consistently say they feel a deeper connection to Vaughn through the pride of representing their College—and through friendships with teammates that last well beyond graduation day. This is what makes college unforgettable: not just what a student learns, but who they become and who stands beside them along the way.

Academics Always Come First 

Here’s the best part for parents: Your child never has to choose between their sport and their degree. Vaughn College student-athletes have full access to the same academic advisers, tutoring services and faculty support available to every student. And coaching staff work hand in hand with all disciplines to keep student-athletes eligible and on track toward graduation.

Yes, the commitment is real. Student-athletes represent Vaughn with pride, and that comes with responsibility. But practice, competition and travel schedules are built around coursework, not the other way around. Your child can chase a winning season without ever losing sight of the finish line that matters most: their degree.

Your Team is Waiting

Every great season starts with a single step. And for your child who will become a student, that step could be right now. Incoming freshmen and transfer students can:

1. Email the athletics department at
2. Visit the Vaughn College athletics site for team info, recruitment details and tryout schedules
3. Reach out early, as coaching staff are excited to connect with future Vaughn athletes before they even step onto the campus

And here’s some encouragement for every incoming student: you don’t need to already be a star. While basketball and soccer often draw the most experienced athletes, Vaughn regularly welcomes students to try a sport competitively for the very first time. Wherever you might be starting from, there’s room here to grow, compete, and thrive.

A Program Built to Soar

Vaughn athletics has one clear vision: to become a respected name among the best collegiate programs at its level. That means building strong rosters, forging real connections with student-athletes, and creating a winning culture, all in service of one ultimate goal: supporting every student-athlete all the way across the graduation stage.

Vaughn College proves that students can build airplanes as well as a winning season. Yes, a future engineer can also be a champion. Athletics here isn’t a distraction from the mission. It’s part of what makes a Vaughn education—and a Vaughn student—truly unstoppable.

Let’s Go Phoenix!

Vaughn Athletics Frequently Asked Questions

How many varsity sports does Vaughn College offer?

Vaughn College offers nine varsity sports: basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and track and field (men’s and women’s programs across most sports).

In what athletic conference is Vaughn College placed?

Vaughn College competes in the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) and recently joined the NACIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).

Can Vaughn College students play club or intramural sports?

Yes. Vaughn offers club baseball and volleyball as well as intramural and recreational activities, including pickup games, esports tournaments and an annual ski and snowboarding trip.

Do Vaughn College athletes get academic support?

Student-athletes have access to the same academic advisers, tutoring and faculty support as all Vaughn students, with coaching staff helping them stay eligible and on track academically.

How do I try out for a Vaughn College sports team?

Contact the director of athletics at or visit our athletics website for information on teams, recruitment and tryouts.

Where do Vaughn College teams practice?

Vaughn teams train and compete at outstanding local facilities, including BQE Fitness, Elmcor Recreation Center and the legendary USTA Center. Training at BQE Fitness gives students athletes the feel of a big-time college program, while practicing at the USTA Center—where professional tennis players have competed—is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience students will talk about for years.

What range of experience and athletic ability do you need to participate in Vaughn’s athletic programs?

Experience levels vary depending on the sport, but we tend to see our most experienced student-athletes in basketball and soccer. While our other sports also attract experienced athletes, we regularly have students who are new to a sport and are trying it competitively for the first time. We also offer intramural and club sports, so students can learn and try new sports.

Why should I apply to Vaughn College?

Vaughn College offers career-focused degree programs in aviation, engineering and technology and management, along with opportunities to build teamwork, leadership and lifelong connections through Vaughn athletics. It is a well-rounded college experience where you can learn, compete and prepare to launch a successful future. Schedule a tour and apply to Vaughn College today!