What Division Is Catholic University Athletics?

Catholic University athletics competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The university sponsors 25 varsity programs and provides opportunities for men and women to participate in intercollegiate, club, and recreational sports.

The Cardinals compete primarily in the Landmark Conference. The exceptions are men's and women's rowing, which compete in the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference (MARC). Catholic University is also home to several club and intramural sports.

Catholic University athletics at a glance

Which conferences does Catholic University belong to?

At the varsity level, Catholic University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, Landmark and Mid-Atlantic Rowing conferences. The Cardinals compete in the Landmark Conference, with the exception of men's and women's rowing, which are members of the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference (MARC).

The Department of Athletics supports the mission of the university by providing programs and services to enable students to engage in physical activities as an integral part of the overall educational experience. Opportunities for male and female participation are provided at the intercollegiate (or varsity), club, and recreational levels.

What does Division III mean at Catholic University?

As a member of NCAA Division III, Catholic University adheres to the NCAA philosophy statement, places the highest priority on the overall quality of the education experience and the successful completion of academic programs by student athletes, and upholds the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

The athletic department seeks to provide programs and leadership to enable Catholic University to be a model NCAA Division III institution in its commitment to academic and athletic excellence. Its athletic teams, known as the Cardinals, provide opportunities for student-athletes to participate in multiple sports while maintaining a balance with their academic commitments.

Division III athletics at Catholic University is designed to let students continue competing while giving substantial attention to education, personal development, campus involvement, and life after college. D3 athletics enables me to pursue my passion of my sport while also maintaining a strong focus on academics and personal development.

I chose to play a D3 sport because it gives me the opportunity to play my sport competitively at the collegiate level while still allowing the balance to pursue a successful academic career and maintain a social life. Additionally, the strong relationships that have been created with my teammates and coaches have fostered the supportive environment needed for both academic and athletic success.

What varsity sports does Catholic University offer?

The university offers both men's and women's sports, including basketball, cross country, fencing, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field. Additionally, men can compete in baseball and football, while women have options such as volleyball and softball.

Catholic University supports a variety of intercollegiate athletic programs that compete primarily in the NCAA Division III. The range of sports available allows students with diverse athletic interests to find suitable teams to join during their college years.

For some Cardinals, playing a sport they love is an integral part of their overall educational experience. That’s why each season, our community rallies behind our student athletes to cheer them on as they compete in - and win - championship games and tournaments.

We are proud to sponsor 25 varsity programs and be a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. We also are home to several club and intramural sports.

How do student-athletes experience Division III competition?

Catholic University Athletics offers student-athletes of exceptional ability and dedication the guidance they need to excel in their chosen sports, providing equal opportunities for men and women in intercollegiate athletic competition. Student-athletes benefit from training facilities, coaching staff dedicated to their development, and support services aimed at ensuring a successful student experience both on and off the field.

These programs foster competitive experiences as well as community engagement and school spirit. At Catholic University, whether you are a student-athlete or an avid fan, our athletics are a testament to our community, our excellence, and the strength of our Cardinal Family.

Varsity athletics programs play a vital role in strengthening the overall student enrollment and enhance student retention rates. New and updated facilities, enhanced recruiting resources, and an expanded coaching staff will elevate our Cardinal varsity teams to the ranks of elite NCAA Division III programs, and empower Catholic Athletics to support the University’s growing enrollment goals, cultivate alumni engagement, and uplift the quality of student life.

Why do students choose Catholic University Division III athletics?

Kevin Robinson - Director of Athletics/Associate VP The Joy! The passion! The competitiveness! That is why D3 is the best! Our student-athletes at Catholic University are high achieving individuals who are focused on their holistic development. The values they learn from competing as D3 athletes guide them in their future successes.

John Diaz - Football | Graduate | Offensive Lineman I chose D3 athletics because the opportunity to play the game I love at a renowned school in a city I love was too great to pass up. The relationships I made from choosing D3 athletics motivated me to see my athletic career through the end.

Antonio Tufano - Baseball | Freshman | Pitcher #WhyD3? I can foster my love for the game in a competitive way while also growing in knowledge and experience as a college student.

Ethan Hinds - Basketball | Junior | Guard D3 athletics in the heart of DC offers the quintessential experience of balancing elite-level sports with the vibrancy of urban living. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to participate in the sport that I have played since I was young, while seeking to further my education through Catholic's wide group of alumni connections.

Sean Neylon - Basketball | Junior | Forward For me, being a student-athlete at Catholic has been a great experience. Balancing being a student and playing basketball has taught me to be disciplined with my time while also providing me with many memorable experiences with my friends.

At the Division Three Level, the support from professors, coaches, and other student-athletes is unique from other levels since students and professors can interact with each other, in-class, on a more personal scale, and athletes are eager to support one another at games. Also, being in D.C. there are plenty of opportunities to expedite your career, through internships, while utilizing Catholic's network.

Grace Button - Lacrosse | Sophomore | Defender I chose to play a D3 sport because it gives me the opportunity to play my sport competitively at the collegiate level while still allowing the balance to pursue a successful academic career and maintain a social life. Additionally, the strong relationships that have been created with my teammates and coaches have fostered the supportive environment needed for both academic and athletic success.

Lauren Bendo - Lacrosse | Junior | Defender I chose to play a D3 sport because it gives me the opportunity to play my sport competitively at the collegiate level while still allowing the balance to pursue a successful academic career and maintain a social life. Additionally, the strong relationships that have been created with my teammates and coaches have fostered the supportive environment needed for both academic and athletic success.

Dan Buckley - Basketball | Junior | Guard Having the opportunity to play basketball as a Division 3 athlete has allowed me to continue to play the game I love at a high level while simultaneously preparing me for my life after basketball. The balance of Division 3 gives me the chance to keep a strong focus on academics and allows for things like internships that will hopefully set me up opportunities after graduation.

Toni Ruley - Softball | Junior | Outfielder I choose to play D3 softball because I am able to put a main focus in the classroom while also being able to play a sport I love at a highly competitive level. In D3, I am able to find a perfect balance in all aspects of my life.

Olivia Stinchcomb - Softball | Sophomore | Pitcher I chose to play D3 softball at Catholic because it gave me the opportunity to be a part of a top program while being able to focus on earning a valuable degree. I am blessed with coaches, teammates, and athletic directors who care about you beyond your sport!

Matthew Fisher - Baseball | Junior | Catcher I chose Division III because it's allowed me to excel as I continue to develop my skills as a student-athlete. There is a clear balance between academics and athletics here at CUA, and it's allowed me to gain valuable experiences and create relationships that I will have for many years to come. Division III allows you to pursue your passions and I'm very proud of my decision to play for and represent the Cardinals.

Emily Branchide - Soccer | Senior | Defender D3 athletics enables me to pursue my passion of my sport while also maintaining a strong focus on academics and personal development. The CUA athletics community fosters an environment for individuals to thrive, to forge meaningful connections, and to succeed in every facet of life. I strongly believe that my college experience has been shaped for the better while being a D3 athlete and I am forever grateful for the memories I have made as a Cardinal.

Cephas Wilson-Bahun - Basketball | Junior | Forward D3 athletics is beautiful because it provides a competitive space for talented individuals, where a true love and appreciation for their sport is seen. Playing D3 in DC gives way to a tight-knit community, where not only athletes support each other, but where professors, classmates, and the surrounding community are engaged in your performance.

Marissa Stambaugh - Tennis | Senior I chose D3 because not only does it gives me an opportunity to play my sport at a competitive level but it also gives me a chance to focus on my personal growth and academic studies as well. The tennis team has not only given me a supportive environment but also a second family here at CUA.

Meaghan Laniewski - Tennis | Freshman I chose D3 because I was able to go to an amazing academic university while also being able to continue to do the sport that I love and dedicate most of my time to. I get to have built in friendships and family through the team, and the support from remarkable coaches. I didn't want to just give up something I have been doing since I was young just because I was going to college, so D3 at Catholic University was the perfect option to continue to play tennis and get a strong education.

Lauren Lombardo - Golf | Junior I chose to play D3 golf to further my skills in a lifelong sport while also prioritizing my academics and social life. Balancing excellence on the course and in the classroom remains a challenge, but having support from both my coaches and professors enables me to reach my goals.

Marguerite Collette - Rowing | Senior I chose to row Division III because it provided the unique opportunity to channel my love for athletics into a brand new sport. D3 is the perfect balance of athletics and academics so that each competitor can be involved in their sport and in their campus.

How do athletics fit into student life?

The Catholic University of America offers a campus experience spread over 173 acres, providing students with various opportunities for involvement in arts and media. Students can participate in campus newspaper activities, drama productions, radio broadcasts, and chorus performances, contributing to a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

With a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1, students can expect relatively small class sizes, fostering more personalized interaction with faculty compared to many larger institutions. The total enrollment is average-sized, with just over 5,200 students, and about 742 full-time degree-seeking students.

The university attracts students from approximately 37 countries, contributing to a diverse campus community. Support services on campus include a health clinic and psychological counseling, ensuring that students have access to medical and mental health care.

For student-athletes, this setting supports participation in sports alongside academic work, campus relationships, internships, and other activities. The Catholic University of America offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to diverse interests and community involvement.

Among these are Cardinals for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Program Board, Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students, and Centerstage Theatre Company. These organizations provide opportunities for students to engage in service, cultural activities, leadership, and the performing arts.

What is the role of the athletics department?

The Department of Athletics supports the mission of the university by providing programs and services to enable students to engage in physical activities as an integral part of the overall educational experience. Opportunities for male and female participation are provided at the intercollegiate (or varsity), club, and recreational levels.

The athletic department seeks to provide programs and leadership to enable Catholic University to be a model NCAA Division III institution in its commitment to academic and athletic excellence. The values they learn from competing as D3 athletes guide them in their future successes.

At Catholic University, whether you are a student-athlete or an avid fan, our athletics are a testament to our community, our excellence, and the strength of our Cardinal Family. Roll Cards!

tags: #what #division #is #catholic #university