Mercyhurst University Athletics

Mercyhurst competes in NCAA Division II, which offers athletic scholarships without the intensity of major college sports. The Lakers field 26 varsity teams with 651 total athletes, meaning about 29% of students participate in varsity athletics. That's an unusually high percentage that reflects the school's commitment to competitive sports. The university awards over $10.4 million in athletic scholarships annually. Mercyhurst competes in the Northeast Conference against regional rivals. The Lakers have built strong programs in hockey and lacrosse over the years. Division II strikes a balance between serious competition and academic focus, allowing student-athletes to compete at a high level while maintaining smaller class sizes and more personal attention than Division I programs typically offer.