MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) is proud to celebrate the successful conclusion of Team Netherlands’ (NL) recent training residency at Saddleback College, reinforcing the college's role as a premier destination for elite athletic training in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Over the past several weeks, Saddleback College welcomed TeamNL's Athletics Team to its nationally recognized stadium and track facilities as part of a series of high-performance training camps hosted in partnership with the City of Mission Viejo. The residency followed visits by the Dutch Track Cycling and Dutch Judo teams, further establishing Mission Viejo and Saddleback College as an important pre-Games training destination.
During Saturday's ceremony at Saddleback College, TeamNL officially reaffirmed Mission Viejo as its pre-Games training base for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while recognizing Saddleback College as one of its official training venues.
"This partnership demonstrates the incredible value of collaboration between higher education and our local community," said SOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes. "We are honored that Saddleback College has been selected to support some of the world's most elite athletes. Opportunities like this showcase the exceptional quality of our facilities while inspiring our students and reinforcing our commitment to community engagement, excellence, and global partnerships."
TeamNL selected Saddleback College for its world-class track and field facilities, which provide an ideal environment for Olympic-level preparation. The college joins Trabuco Hills High School and the Marguerite Aquatics Complex as TeamNL's first official training venues in Mission Viejo.
Saddleback College President Dr. Lonita Cordova said the partnership extends well beyond athletics.
"Hosting Team Netherlands is an extraordinary opportunity for Saddleback College and our students," said Dr. Cordova. "Our campus is more than a place for learning, it is a place where excellence is cultivated. Welcoming these elite athletes creates meaningful connections, inspires our students to pursue their own goals with determination, and demonstrates what is possible through strong community partnerships."
The residency reflects the ongoing collaboration among the City of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College, local schools, and community organizations to position the region as a premier destination for international sports training leading up to LA28.
As preparations continue for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the South Orange County Community College District looks forward to expanding opportunities that connect students, faculty, and the broader community with world-class athletic programs and international partnerships.