University of the Incarnate Word Athletics

UIW competes in NCAA Division I, where athletic scholarships and serious competition define the sports culture. The Cardinals field 19 varsity teams in the Southland Conference, distributing over $13.2 million in athletic scholarships across their programs. With 501 total athletes among 4,545 students, about 11% of the campus participates in varsity sports. The football program joined Division I in 2013 and has quickly established itself as a regional competitor. Basketball and soccer have traditionally been the university's strongest programs, with the women's soccer team earning multiple conference titles. The Cardinals' red and white colors are visible throughout San Antonio's Alamo Heights campus. Conference rivals include McNeese State and Nicholls State, though UIW is still building its Division I identity after moving up from Division II relatively recently.