Central College Athletics

Central College competes in NCAA Division III, where sports focus on personal development rather than athletic scholarships or packed stadiums. With 549 athletes out of 1,062 students, an impressive 52% of the campus participates in varsity athletics. The Dutch field teams in 21 different sports within the American Rivers Conference. This strongly high athletic participation rate reflects Central's small-college culture where sports serve as a major way students connect with campus life. Division III emphasizes the student-athlete experience, allowing players to compete seriously while prioritizing academics. The school's Dutch nickname honors Pella's strong Dutch heritage, and the high percentage of student-athletes creates a campus where game days bring much of the student body together as both participants and supporters.