Haverhill, MA (June 14, 2023) – Strong showings from Northern Essex Community College athletic teams have earned the program its first-ever top 30 ranking from the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA).

The NECC Knights at the NCJAA World Series in Greeneville, Tennessee

Each year, NATYCAA ranks two-year schools based on athletic teams’ post-season performances. The highest-ranking school is awarded the Daktronics Cup.

The Knights finished in a tie for 28th place in the non-scholarship category with Minnesota State Community & Technical College with 34 points. Points are awarded based on team finish at the conclusion of each sport’s national tournament. NECC was awarded 16 points for their 5th place finish in men’s basketball and 18 points for their 3rd place finish in baseball.

NECC was the only New England community college to finish among the top 30 programs. The College of DuPage (IL) captured the 2023 cup with a total of 158 points.

The 2022/23 NECC Men’s Basketball Team

NATYCAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). NECC Athletics Director Dan Blair serves as a District 1 officer on the NACDA Board.

Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 13 varsity intercollegiate sports. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics, please visit the official NECC Knights website.