Gardner-Webb University Athletics

Gardner-Webb competes in NCAA Division I, meaning serious athletic competition with full scholarships and regional television coverage. The Runnin' Bulldogs field 22 varsity sports with 497 total athletes, representing 27% of the student body. The university awards $7.98 million in athletic scholarships annually. Gardner-Webb plays in the Big South Conference alongside rivals like Winthrop and High Point. The football program has gained attention for competing as an FCS independent, while the men's basketball team made headlines with a stunning upset of Virginia in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. The athletic facilities serve both competitive athletes and recreational students on the rural North Carolina campus. With nearly one in four students participating in varsity athletics, sports culture plays a significant role in campus life.