Columbia, MD - Howard Community College Athletics yesterday announced women's softball will become its newest sponsored sport beginning in 2021–2022.

The Dragons softball program will join National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II in Region XX, which will allow for athletic scholarships to be awarded to the student-athletes. 

"With the addition of softball, we are excited to start a new chapter for Howard Community College athletics," said Director of Athletics Erin Foley. "Howard County has a great reputation for producing talented softball players, and the Howard Community College program will capitalize on this existing strength."

The addition of softball will bring in at least 15–25 female student-athletes annually to Howard.

The Dragons will be the 17th community college in its region to field a softball team. More than 500 community colleges across the United States have a softball program. 

With the addition of softball, Howard also announced it will end its women's lacrosse program.

Participation has been down for women's lacrosse across the NJCAA, making it increasingly difficult to continue at Howard as a competitive program.

The Dragons women's lacrosse team had a history of competitiveness and strong seasons, peaking in 2017 when they advanced to the national championship.

Recruiting for the softball team will begin immediately.

Any future or current students interested in playing softball are asked to complete the prospective student-athlete form on the Dragons athletics website at howardccdragons.com.