Southwestern University Athletics

Southwestern competes in NCAA Division III, meaning sports focus on personal development rather than big-time athletics with no athletic scholarships available. The Pirates field 20 varsity teams in the Southern Athletic Association. With 507 total athletes out of 1,454 students, about 35% of the student body participates in varsity sports. This high participation rate reflects the school's emphasis on well-rounded student experiences rather than spectator-driven athletics. Division III allows students to balance competitive sports with rigorous academics without the pressure of athletic scholarships. The Pirates maintain a rivalry with nearby Trinity University. Georgetown's small-town setting creates an intimate atmosphere where student-athletes often become campus leaders. Games draw modest but enthusiastic crowds of classmates and faculty who know the players personally.