Christopher Newport University Athletics

Christopher Newport fields 23 varsity sports with 627 total athletes, meaning about 14% of the 4,402 students compete at the varsity level. As an NCAA Division III program, the Captains compete for personal enrichment and school pride rather than athletic scholarships, creating a pure amateur experience where student-athletes balance academics with sports. The university competes in the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference against other academically-focused institutions. CNU has built a reputation for competitive programs across multiple sports, with facilities that rival many larger universities. The Captains name reflects the school's Virginia maritime heritage and Newport News shipbuilding tradition. Division III athletics at CNU emphasize the complete college experience, where athletes pursue excellence in their sport while maintaining full academic loads without the pressure of athletic scholarships.