Evangel University Athletics

Evangel competes in NAIA athletics, which sits between Division I powerhouses and Division III participation-focused programs with moderate scholarships and regional competition. The Crusaders field 18 varsity sports with 485 total athletes, meaning about 40% of the student body participates in athletics. The athletic department awards $7.95 million in scholarships across all sports. Evangel has built a reputation for competitive basketball programs and strong track and field teams that regularly contend for conference titles. The Crusaders compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference against fellow Christian and regional universities. Sports culture runs deep at this Assemblies of God institution, where athletics serve as both competitive outlets and ministry opportunities. The relatively high percentage of student-athletes creates a campus where sports involvement is common rather than exclusive.