GW Athletics

You Bet We're Loyal to GW!

GW Athletics

The University’s lively athletics program, with teams often in the NCAA spotlight, contributes immeasurably to the GW experience, school spirit and community pride. It also raises GW’s national profile. To join one of our 22 varsity sports as an athlete or student team manager is a special opportunity. Our coaches are committed to the University's belief in a well-rounded student athlete. That means athletes work hard to achieve intellectual development, maintain high academic standards and practice good citizenry in our community. Go to gwsports.com

GW’s Athletic Heritage

Organized athletics have been an important aspect life at GW since the late 19th century, when Columbian University’s Preparatory School fielded a baseball team. GW baseball is a three-time champion of both the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Southern Conference.

GW’s football program got it start in 1890. It had a successful 58-season run, winning two of three top awards in its final season in 1966.

Collegiate basketball launched at GW in 1906, when the sport was in its infancy. GW's first men's basketball team captured the Southern championship, defeating Georgetown, and establishing one of the University's proudest traditions. Varsity basketball is GW’s hallmark sport, drawing enthusiastic interest and support from the community and around the region.

Athletic Conferences

The University belongs to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a founding member of the Atlantic 10 Conference. GW sponsors 22 NCAA Division I varsity sports, which compete against major universities throughout the region and nation.

Women's teams at GW were active in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) in the 1970s, before the NCAA's sponsorship of women's championships in 1981. The men’s basketball team and the Colonial Women both joined the Atlantic 10 in 1983.

Community Involvement

Student athletes at GW spend much of their free time away from sports and studies, engaged in activities that help the community. They volunteer with community organizations, host motivational sessions with local high school students, clean up neighborhood parks and recreational facilities, work with local youth sports teams and distributing complimentary tickets to local nonprofit organizations serving underprivileged youth.

Spirit Groups

GW has a long tradition of students organizing to create and express school spirit focused around our athletic teams. The excitement and involvement that are driven by athletics carry over into other aspects of student life, imbuing the GW community with a sense of pride in and loyalty to The George Washington University as an institution. This spirit is transmitted to neighbors in the Washington region, and sometimes to national audiences, building positive perceptions of GW. Some of our spirit groups, like the Cheer Team and Dance Team are themselves opportunities for athletic-related activities. Learn more at the GW Spirit Program website.

The GW Experience

Students

An Incubator for Ideas

GW student entrepreneurs may apply for spots in entrepreneurship incubator.

A Home Away from Home

Twins study medicine and public health at George Washington.

Student Co-Produces New Album

George Washington student José Curbelo helped produce an album of northern Uruguayan music for Smithsonian Folkways.

A Call to Service

GW students traveled to Guatemala, Honduras, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Puerto Rico as part of the fourth annual Alternative Winter Break program.

Faculty

Teaching Campaigning in Cairo

GSPM professors teach practical skills to emerging politicians in Egypt.

South African Youth Perform at GW

Latest collaboration between Professor of Theatre Leslie Jacobson and the Bokamoso Youth Centre premieres Friday.

A Life-Changing Course

Today’s reading by Aryeh Lev Stollman, author of “The Far Euphrates,” is the first of six from visiting artists in this spring’s Jewish Literature Live course.