Athletics Overview
Norfolk State competes in NCAA Division I, meaning serious athletic competition with full scholarships and the potential for national recognition. The Spartans field 11 varsity sports with 320 total athletes, representing about 5.8% of the 5,495-student body. The university allocates $4.8 million in athletic scholarships annually. Norfolk State belongs to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, competing against other historically black universities. The Spartans have a heated rivalry with nearby Hampton University. The football program has produced NFL talent over the years, while the men's basketball team made a memorable NCAA Tournament upset as a 15-seed in 2012, defeating Missouri. The athletic programs help strengthen school spirit and provide pathways to professional sports for talented student-athletes.
Athletics Details
Source: EADA / U.S. Department of Education
- Athletic Association
- NCAA Division I
- Conference
- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conf.
- Team Nickname
- Spartans
- Varsity Sports
- 11
- Student-Athletes
- 320
- Athletic Scholarships
- $4,803,179
Sports
Men's (5)
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Tennis
- Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
Women's (6)
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
- Volleyball