Beeville, Texas – Coastal Bend College has announced an Athletics and Community Engagement Redesign that prioritizes expanded access, strengthens community engagement, and reimagines how campus facilities serve students and the Coastal Bend region. Following a comprehensive review of athletics, facilities, and co-curricular programming, the College will sunset women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball. These gym-based intercollegiate programs rely heavily on a single shared facility, limiting flexibility and broader access for students and the community.
“This was not a decision made lightly,” said Dr. Zachary Z. Suarez, President of Coastal Bend College. “We approached this redesign thoughtfully, with a clear focus on student impact, community access, and the long-term mission of the College. Our goal is to ensure that our programs and facilities serve students and the broader community in meaningful, sustainable ways.”
Student-athletes impacted by the sunsetting of programs will be supported through academic advising, transition planning, and assistance with identifying next steps, including transfer pathways where appropriate. Athletic scholarships will be honored for student-athletes who choose to remain enrolled at Coastal Bend College during the next academic year.
Athletics will continue to play an important role at Coastal Bend College. The College will maintain existing intercollegiate programs, including esports, baseball, softball, and men’s soccer, and will move forward with plans to add women’s soccer, reflecting a continued commitment to student engagement and competitive opportunity.
The redesign also expands co-curricular opportunities through the College’s first competitive performing arts program, Mariachi, which will offer scholarship opportunities, and the development of Cougar Active Life, a community recreation and wellness initiative. Cougar Active Life is designed to increase year-round access to campus facilities through intramural sports, community leagues, fitness and wellness programming, and family-oriented activities.
The Athletics and Community Engagement Redesign was approved by the Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees during its January 20 meeting. With Board approval in place, the College will move forward with detailed planning for the future use of the gymnasium to support expanded student recreation, community engagement, and wellness programming.
By realigning existing resources, the redesign is expected to result in approximately $233,000 in net annual cost savings, which will be reinvested in student-centered priorities, academic initiatives, and long-term institutional stability.
Additional information and updates will be shared as planning moves forward and will be available at coastalbend.edu.