The VGCC Athletics Program began National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) competition during the 2008-2009 academic year. VGCC started its NJCAA competition with men’s basketball. Women’s volleyball was added to VGCC’s sports program and began NJCAA competition during Fall 2009. The golf program began NJCAA competition in Spring 2010 (after one season as a club team).

The VGCC mascot is the Vanguard. The Vanguard mascot is a symbol of strength, leadership, service and readiness to face new challenges. The idea for the mascot came from VGCC students.