King University Athletics

King University competes in NCAA Division II, which offers athletic scholarships and competitive play without the massive crowds of Division I. With 507 athletes among 975 total students, over half the campus participates in varsity sports. The Tornado fields 20 different teams and distributes $4.17 million in athletic scholarships annually. King plays in Conference Carolinas, competing against regional rivals like Barton College and Catawba College. The university has built a reputation for strong athletic programs that complement its academic mission. Division II provides the perfect balance for King's student-athletes, allowing them to pursue serious competition while maintaining focus on their studies. The high percentage of student-athletes creates a campus culture where sports are deeply woven into daily life.