An exciting new option for student athletes is coming to Camden County College. Women’s Flag Football, a sport that is quickly growing in popularity, will be among the team competition options in the spring of 2027.

The team is being formed with the assistance of a $5,000 grant provided by the NJCAA Foundation, NFL Flag, and Reigning Champs Experiences.

“We are proud of Camden County College’s role in further expanding a sport that has been growing on college campuses nationwide,” said Fred Carella, Director of Athletics at Camden County College. “We are thankful to receive this grant in order to obtain the athletic equipment to get our Women’s Flag Football team established.”

The sport is a no-contact version of football that doesn’t allow blocking and tackling. In flag football, a person in possession of the ball can be taken out of play when their opponent removes a flag worn at their side from a belt.

The NJCAA Foundation spoke about supporting athletic opportunities for women.

“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” stated Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports during this exciting time.”
RCX Sports elaborated on the life skills developed through organized sports.

“RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports,” said RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese. “Through NJCAA women’s flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, they’ll earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college.”

The NFL explained their support of expanding the sport to be enjoyed by all.

“The NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all,” said Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. “The values, fun and competitive environment of football can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who wishes to participate. It is exciting to see junior colleges offer NFL FLAG as a varsity sport to female athletes.”

ABOUT NJCAA FOUNDATION

The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.

ABOUT RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the premier youth-sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments and events.

RCX works with professional leagues, national governing bodies, sports-centric businesses and brands to reimagine youth sports experiences. RCX produces events with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com and the 2022 World Games.

RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by enhancing the youth sports experience and creating opportunities for all athletes to play. We believe sports have the power to transform lives and that every athlete should have the opportunity to experience the value of sports. For more information, visit www.rcxsports.com.

ABOUT NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG

Camden County College is excited to introduce Boye Akinsiku as our new Assistant Athletic Director. With a personal connection to community colleges and experience in coaching and athletic administration across all three NCAA levels and high school, Boye brings a well-rounded perspective to the Athletics Department.

Boye began his higher education journey at Middlesex County College before transferring to William Paterson University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. He later completed a master’s degree in Sport Administration, with a certificate in Coaching Theories & Strategies. As an alumnus of Middlesex County College, Boye knows firsthand the pivotal role community colleges play in laying the groundwork for students’ futures, both academically and personally.

“Community college means a lot to me. It’s how I learned to be a better student, manage my time and set realistic, attainable goals,” Boye recalled. “My time at MCC really jump-started my whole academic career and gave me the necessary skills needed to grow and become successful.”

Boye’s professional background is rooted in college men’s basketball coaching across all three NCAA levels. While pursuing his Master’s at Fairleigh Dickinson University, he began as a Manager for the Men’s Basketball team. He later served as an Assistant Coach at City College of New York and Fairleigh Dickinson University–Florham, both NCAA Division III programs. Boye then transitioned to NCAA Division I, taking on the role of Director of Operations at Fairleigh Dickinson University–Teaneck. He next relocated to Delaware, where he joined NCAA Division II Goldey-Beacom College as an Assistant Coach. Most recently, he served as Athletic Director at a charter high school in Wilmington, DE.

Boye’s professional background laid a strong foundation for his role as Assistant Athletic Director, and now, he’s ready to give back to the community college environment that played a key role in his own journey.

“I have a passion for helping students achieve their academic and athletic goals,” Boye affirmed. “I also want to give back to a community that gave so much to me and assist student-athletes with their transitions to other colleges or universities.” Junior college athletic programs offer students the opportunity to further develop their talents while making the best financial and academic decision for their future. Boye hopes he can encourage student-athletes to consider continuing their athletic pursuits at the junior college level.

“Participation in athletics doesn’t have to stop after high school if you’re not recruited to play sports at the four-year college level,” said Boye. “There are quality community college options that allow you to keep chasing your athletic goals, while offering more personalized support than many four-year schools can provide.”

As he embarks on this new role, Boye is looking forward to growing under the guidance of Athletic Director Fred Carella, and being an integral part of the team of coaches, faculty, and administrators who are dedicated to the academic and athletic success of students.

“I hope my impact at CCC will be long lasting, not just for the current student-athletes, but future ones years down the road,” Boye shared. “I want to add programs that students are interested in, generate excitement and a sense of pride within the student community, and ultimately, win. I look forward to playing a role in taking CCC to the next level.”

Whether you are a student, parent/guardian, or coach, we invite you to learn more about our athletic programs by visiting the Athletics Office in the Papiano Gymnasium or visit the Athletics website.

Congratulations to 37 of our student-athletes for being named to NJCAA Academic All-Region 19 Team for the Spring 2025 semester. In order to be named to this list, students must earn a minimum of 12 credits and a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Women’s Basketball:
Faith Arzu
Isabella Boyle
Brianna Kemble
Erica Paranzino
Clara Pons de Vall Ruiz
Xyaliyah Somers
Alyssa Wilmot

Men’s Basketball:
Noah Allen
Christian Barksdale
Jalen Clarke
Davit Gelashvili
Braeden Green
Tyson Shaw

Men’s Wrestling:
Will Chrysler
Christopher Broderick
Elijah Clark
Jimmy Do
Garett Gayle
Andrew Geisenheimer

Softball:
Isabella Boyle
Halina Collins
Alexis Cobb
Kyra Griffith
Olivia Logan
Lauren Melilli
Morgan O’Kane
Alyssa Wilmot

Baseball:
Tiernan Blesi
Michael Faulls
Michael Manera
Vincent Sangataldo

Women’s Tennis:
Madison Newbold
Riley Pontz

Track and Field:
Elijah Clark
Tierra Hooker
Abigail Soriano
Elexis Swen

After ten years on the Wrestling staff, four years as Assistant Coach and six as Head Coach, John Chillem will step down from the role of Head Coach at the end of this academic year.

Stepping into the role of Head Coach will be current Assistant Coach and CCC alumnus, Alex Velez ‘18, who brings years of competitive and coaching experience, much of it gained under the tutelage of Chillem. His time as a student-athlete at CCC culminated in a National Qualifier appearance in 2018.

“I’m very honored to be stepping into the role of the head coach,” remarked Velez. “This program means a lot to me, especially as an alumnus who competed here myself.”

Velez has spent the past two seasons on the Wrestling staff as Assistant Coach for the Cougars, and previously served as a Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach at Cherry Hill High School East for four years. With a solid group of returning sophomores, and a strong incoming recruiting class, Velez is poised to continue the program’s legacy of excellence.

The opportunity to take the reins as Head Coach from Chillem, who served as his coach, professional mentor, and friend, is not lost on Velez.

“I thank John so much for being a mentor and a friend to me,” said Velez. “The traditions and values I have learned from him and this program are something that I’ve implemented in my daily life.”

Chillem leaves behind a decorated legacy. He is a three-time Region Coach of the Year and, in 2023 he was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year. Under Chillem’s leadership, the program flourished. Chillem coached 72 National Qualifiers, 8 All-Americans, and 1 National Champion. The team captured three Region 19 Championships, two Gulf Atlantic District Championships, and earned five top-10 finishes, including two in the top 5, at the NJCAA National Championships.

Velez is prepared to carry forward Chillem’s legacy, aiming to have the same lasting impact on his athletes that Chillem had on him.

“He has been an amazing role model for the students, helping them through not only in their athletic career but with their academics as well. I hope to keep the same traditions and values for as long as I have this opportunity.”

Camden County College is excited to introduce Frederick Carella as our new Athletics Director. For Fred, this role is the realization of a long-standing career goal. When he came across the job posting, he knew he had to seize the opportunity.

“I felt an immediate connection with the search committee during the interview process and was inspired by their vision and plan for the Athletic Department in the years ahead,” he shared.

While this is his first time in the role of Athletics Director, working in a community college environment is not new to Carella. He has spent the past 23 years at Mercer County Community College, where he served in a number of capacities, culminating in the role of Coordinator of Academic Compliance and Advisement within the Athletic Department, as well as baseball head coach.

Building on his career at MCCC, Carella’s passion for the mission of community colleges has been a driving force throughout his professional journey.

“Community colleges create opportunities for people that otherwise would not have them, and allow more people to realize their goals and dreams,” said Carella. “Having worked in this setting for almost 25 years, I have seen first-hand how we can have a positive impact on people from many different backgrounds.”

Carella is ready to make an impact on not only the student-athletes, but the coaching and administrative staff that make up the athletics program, as well.

“We have a good foundation made up of great people and I am excited to help our staff achieve their career and personal goals,” Carella observed. “I want to help grow the department and provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience.”

Junior college athletics offer students the opportunity to further develop their talents while making the best financial and academic decision for their future. The importance of athletics at the junior college level isn’t lost on Carella.

“Playing junior college athletics allows athletes that may have been overlooked in high school to show what they are capable of and gives them a chance to grow, learn and refine their skills,” reflected Carella. “At CCC, they will receive excellent coaching on the field and instruction in the classroom to prepare them for their next steps.”

As Carella looks to build on CCC’s strong foundation, the athletics program already boasts remarkable achievements. The Men’s Soccer team recently secured the 2024 NJCAA Region 19 Championship, and placed third in the 2024 NJCAA DIII Men’s Soccer Championship, while the Women’s Tennis team has earned consecutive runner up finishes at the NJCAA DIII Women’s Tennis National Tournament in 2023 and 2024.

Over the years, numerous student-athletes across various sports have been named to All-American teams, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. Notably, the CCC athletic program was also ranked third in the nation for the NJCAA Non-Scholarship Division during the 2019–2020 season, solidifying its reputation for excellence. A number of our student-athletes have also gone on to compete at NCAA DIII, DII, and DI institutions after getting their start at CCC.

“We have programs in place to allow all of our athletes to be successful and we are committed to increasing our efforts moving forward,” remarked Carella. “I want people to begin to understand what we have to offer and what we can do for them.”

Whether you are a student, parent/guardian, or coach, we invite you to learn more about our athletic programs by visiting the Athletics Office in the Papiano Gymnasium or visit the Athletics website.

On February 21, NJCAA Region 19 announced their D3 playoff brackets, and both Camden County College Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams made the Playoffs this year.

The Women’s team, coached by Chip Reitano is seeded 3rd in the NJCAA Region 19 tournament bracket after they finished the regular season with a 14-7 overall record. The Women’s team is led by 1st Team All-Region guard, Chole Cargo. Chole, a freshman, leads the team in points at 21.5 PPG, and is the 3rd highest scorer in the Country. Chole is also ranked 5th in the Country in steals. Also leading the way for the Cougars is sophomore, Kayla Franklin. Kayla was named 2nd Team All-Region, and is the team’s second leading scorer, and leads the Country in blocks. The Lady Cougars will take on Lehigh Carbon Community College at home on Tuesday February 27 at 5:30 p.m.

The Men’s Basketball team, coached by Lou Abbattista was seeded 4th in the NJCAA Region 19 tournament. The Cougars finished 18-10 overall in the regular season. The Cougars are led by 3rd Team All-Region recipient, Demere Hollingsworth. The freshman from Delaware leads the team in scoring, steals, and assists. The Cougars will face Community College of Philadelphia at home on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m., immediately after the Women’s playoff game.

Good luck, Cougars!

When Chloe Crago was deciding where she was going to go to college, she knew that she wanted to pursue her education while playing the sport she loved, basketball. Hailing from Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Chloe had numerous options and offers, many of which would’ve allowed her to stay closer to home.

However, when Chloe visited Camden County College in Spring 2023, she knew where she would be attending- even if it meant being a 27-hour drive from home. Once she stepped onto campus, Chloe said it was an easy decision. The atmosphere, friendly students and staff, and the sense of community helped her decide that CCC would be where she continued her academic and athletic career.

Chloe was recently named GSAC DIII Women’s Basketball Player of the Week- the first to receive the honor in 2024. Chloe was noted for her stellar record, as she is currently the second leading scorer in the NJCAA. Chloe is not remiss on the fact that her choice to come to CCC has allowed her more opportunities to play as a first-year student compared to her friends from home who went on to four-year schools.

“I knew coming to CCC and leaving home was no small thing to do, but this helped solidify that made the right choice in coming here,” Chloe said of the recognition. “The support of my coaches, my teammates, the administrators and the College as a whole has given me a community here. It’s been really great.”

Coach Chip Reitano, is proud to have Chloe on the team.

“I wish I had 10 more players like her, she makes my job easy,” Reitano said.

Coach Chip is in his 10th season as the Women’s Head Basketball Coach at CCC, and he believes that the program’s success comes from “the way we do things.” Coach Chip and his staff prioritize improving their players confidence, trust, and building and maintaining strong relationships. The Lady Cougars are currently 10-4, and have already clinched their spot in the playoffs.

Women’s Basketball players from CCC have gone on to continue their collegiate athletic careers at a number of four-year Colleges and Universities, including Rutgers- Camden, Rutgers- New Brunswick, Rowan University, Stockton University, Holy Family University, and Gregorian Court University.

However, Chip said that it isn’t uncommon for his players to end their athletic careers as a Cougar.

“They don’t feel like they can get a better experience. It’s the perfect way to end their athletic career,” said Reitano.

For Chloe, she’s not yet sure where her athletic or academic journey after CCC will take her, but what she does know, is that she is happy with her college choice.

“I would make the decision to come to CCC every time,” remarked Chloe.

Cougar Wrestling will be heading to Lackawanna CC this weekend for the Gulf Atlantic District Championship. The students representing Camden County College in Districts will be: Jason Cruz, Giuseppe Notte, Zachery Hurst, Finnegan McFadden, David Barber, Aidan Dick, Joseph Teguia, Rotimi Animashaun, John Stanton, and Shane Whitney. The tournament will start Saturday February 17. The tournament will be streamed on www.lackawannafalcons.com/live as well as on Region 19 Sports Network www.region19sn.com/

Winners from districts will qualify for nationals in Iowa.

Women’s basketball currently ranked #14th in the country. They finished out the regular season 20-6 and now will wait to learn their seed in the upcoming region 19 tournament. The winner of the tournament will earn a bid to the NJCAA national tournament.

During Tuesday double header basketball game we celebrated the sophomores for both the men’s and women’s basketball team before the start of the game.