Oglethorpe University Athletics

Oglethorpe competes in NCAA Division III, where athletics focus on personal development rather than big crowds and scholarships. The university fields 14 varsity teams with 288 student-athletes, meaning about 20% of the 1,429-student body participates in varsity sports. The Stormy Petrels compete in the Southern Athletic Association against schools like Berry College and Hendrix College. Division III schools award no athletic scholarships, so players compete for love of the game while maintaining full academic schedules. The nickname "Stormy Petrels" comes from small seabirds known for their resilience in rough seas, reflecting the scrappy nature of this small liberal arts program. With strong community bonds on campus, home games draw solid support from the tight-knit student body despite the suburban Atlanta setting.