Catawba College Athletics

Catawba competes in NCAA Division II, which offers athletic scholarships but maintains a focus on academics over big-time sports spectacle. The Indians field 19 varsity teams in the South Atlantic Conference, a competitive regional league that includes traditional rivals like Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate. With 600 total athletes among 1,127 students, an impressive 53% of the student body participates in varsity sports. The college awards $5.65 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports accessible to many students. Football and basketball generate the most campus excitement, while the baseball program has produced several professional players. The athletic culture creates strong school spirit without overwhelming academics, fitting perfectly with Catawba's liberal arts mission.