University of North Carolina Wilmington Athletics

UNCW competes in NCAA Division I, meaning the Seahawks offer athletic scholarships and face top-level competition. The university awards $3.2 million in athletic scholarships across 16 varsity sports. Just 2.6% of the 14,176 students are varsity athletes (362 total). The Seahawks play in the Coastal Athletic Association, a mid-major conference known for competitive basketball and baseball programs. UNCW basketball has made several NCAA Tournament appearances, creating March Madness excitement on the coastal campus. The men's basketball team particularly energizes the student body during conference play. With a seaside location, UNCW also fields strong sailing and beach volleyball programs that take advantage of the Atlantic Ocean setting. Women make up 64% of the student body, which is reflected in the gender distribution across various sports programs.