Winona State University Athletics

Winona State competes in NCAA Division II, which offers athletic scholarships while maintaining a balance between academics and sports without the intense pressure of Division I programs. The Warriors field 15 varsity teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, where they regularly compete against regional rivals like Minnesota State Mankato and St. Cloud State. With 376 total athletes among 5,088 students, about 7.4% of the student body participates in varsity athletics. The university awards $1.7 million in athletic scholarships annually. Football games draw solid crowds to the scenic campus overlooking the Mississippi River. The Warriors have built particularly strong programs in football and women's basketball over the years. Division II athletics create a tight-knit community where student-athletes can excel competitively while focusing primarily on their academic pursuits.