College Partners with Town in Pursuit of Athletics

Men’s Baseball, Women’s Soccer, & Women’s Cross-Country
Slated for 2026-2027 Season

Morehead City, NC — Carteret Community College is excited to announce a significant collaboration with the Town of Morehead City to provide top-tier athletic facilities for the College’s newly announced athletics program pursuit. Through this partnership, the College will utilize the premier venues at Rotary Park and Puck O’Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium. These facilities will offer an exceptional experience for student-athletes and fans, showcasing the College’s dedication to excellence both on and off the field.

“Morehead City leadership is pleased to partner with Carteret Community College as they move toward this exciting new chapter of offering competitive sports for their students,” said Morehead City Manager Chris Turner.

The partnership marks a new era for Carteret CC as the College moves forward with its goal of joining the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and launching men’s baseball, women’s soccer, and women’s cross-country. The first competitive season is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2026.

“This is a momentous step forward for Carteret Community College, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities it will create for our students and community,” said Dr. Tracy Mancini, president of Carteret Community College. “Joining the NJCAA and launching these athletic programs will not only enrich student life on campus, but also strengthen our ties with the broader community. Our partnership with the Town of Morehead City to utilize the incredible facilities at Rotary Park and Big Rock Stadium is a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together. I can’t wait to see our student-athletes compete, grow, and inspire pride in Carteret County!”

Building a Legacy of Excellence

The addition of an athletics program at Carteret CC aligns with the College’s vision to enhance student engagement, promote health and wellness, and provide a robust collegiate experience. The three initial sports the College is exploring—men’s baseball, women’s soccer, and women’s cross-country—will serve as the foundation of a program designed to grow and thrive over time.

In the coming months, the college will submit its application to the NJCAA for membership and is excited to share more updates on recruitment, coaching staff, and schedules as the process develops.

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

Carteret Community College invites students, alumni, and the community to follow the journey toward its first athletics season in Fall 2026. Stay connected and show your support for the future Carteret CC Krakens!

For more information, visit www.carteret.edu.