Article via ThurstonTalk
By Grant Clark

Sports may currently be on hold at South Puget Sound Community College(SPSCC), but that hasn’t stopped Clipper student-athletes from excelling in the classroom.

Jason Montes-Padilla started at SPSCC in fall of 2020 on a scholarship to play basketball. And just like all student-athletes, he's eager to get started with his teammates once it's safe to play college sports again.

SPSCC is proud to announce student-athlete Dakota Seddon as its nomination for the Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) Transforming Lives Awards. As an award recipient, Dakota received a financial award of $250 from the ACT.

Dakota came to SPSCC in the fall of 2019 after health issues made his dream of enlisting in the Air Force unlikely. He decided to reach out to coach and educational and career planner Juan P. Murillo about playing soccer at SPSCC and, shortly after enrolling, Dakota found a different dream.

Article via ThurstonTalk
By Grant Clark 

It’s been almost two years since the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) volleyball and basketball teams have played a home game, but when they finally do take to the court, the Clippers’ home will be one of the best in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC).

In his new position as head men’s basketball coach, Jonathan Willis brings a blend of coaching and student-athlete development experience to SPSCC. Willis has extensive coaching experience at the two- and four-year levels, and is excited to be in the new dual-role as head coach and educational & career planner.

In her new position as head women’s basketball coach, Darah Vining will bring a mix of coaching expertise and player development experience to SPSCC. The position is a dual role, with Vining also serving as the assistant athletic director, making her a valuable addition to The Clippers.

SPSCC and Clipper Athletics recently welcomed to its athletics staff Darah Vining, fulfilling the dual role assistant athletic director and head women’s basketball coach.

Prior to coming to SPSCC, Vining was the lead assistant coach at Northwest University and worked for the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation.

“She brings her expertise of coaching at a four-year level and understands the dedication and commitment it takes for student-athletes to be successful,” said SPSCC athletics director Vernell Willingham.

In 2017, SPSCC students voted to create a Health & Wellness Center at the college's Olympia Campus, funded by student fees. Construction is nearing completion and, despite a pause in construction this spring, is still expected to be complete in summer 2020. The new space gives the college an opportunity to expand intramural activities and club sports, and opens the possibilities for more kinds of for-credit PE classes.

Article via Thurston Talk
By Grant Clark

It would have been not only easy, but understandable for the South Puget Sound Community College women’s basketball team to call it a season following a difficult 0-14 start.

Article via Thurston Talk
By Grant Clark

Anthony Braggs appears laser focused when he’s on the court with an almost permanent scowl on his face. And while the South Puget Sound sophomore may not chatter too much when he’s playing, his actions speak volumes.