ATHLETICS
Triumph Here
From NCAA Division III Warhawk athletics to our club and intramural teams, Warhawks know how to have fun competing in sports — and how to win.
Our exceptional facilities are home to student-athletes of every level — from those who want to go up against the best in the nation, to students who have a passion for playing sports and want to join a pickup game.
UW-Whitewater is rich in athletic history, from the game day experience to our purple traditions.
Learn and play like a champion
Our national championship athletic programs include football, gymnastics, volleyball, baseball, golf and men’s basketball. Club sports like bowling, rugby, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, paintball and men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball bring home the trophies, too. We’ve won a total of 20 intercollegiate team championships, 71 individual national titles and 27 club sport championships. But… who’s counting?
Why play sports at UW-Whitewater?
From intercollegiate athletics to championship-caliber club teams, UW-Whitewater is nationally renowned as a sports powerhouse with a deep commitment to the success of student-athletes both on and off the field.
Intercollegiate athletics
Proudly supporting 20 intercollegiate athletic teams, UW-Whitewater competes in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Since the advent of the Directors’ Cup in 1995, which measures the overall competitive success of intercollegiate athletic programs on a national level, UW-Whitewater has finished in the top 15 ranking of all Division III programs 13 times.
Explore intercollegiate athletics »
Club sports
From Aikido to Water Polo, and everything in between, UW-Whitewater offers more than 30 club sport teams. Depending on the club, teams may travel, host events on campus and compete for state, regional and national championships.
Intramural sports
If you’re looking to stay active, learn about new sports, and experience the camaraderie of a team, intramural sports are great options. When it comes to intramurals, our goal is "a sport for everyone and everyone in a sport!" Intramurals include individual, dual and team activities for male, female and co-ed participants.
Wheelchair basketball
With a combined 16 national championships, the Warhawk men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams welcome students from all over the world and are among the best athletes in the sport. Our students, alumni and coaches play internationally and have won many Paralympic medals — gold, silver and bronze.
Explore wheelchair basketball »
What UW-Whitewater student athletes do
Win conference and national championships
Win Paralympic medals
Give back to their communities through service projects
Focus on student development and success
Academic achievement
At UW-Whitewater, student success is paramount, and that means achieving on the playing field and in the classroom. Our coaches and faculty prioritize student learning and academic endeavors. Many of our Warhawks are named Chancellor’s Scholar-Athletes or earn national Academic All-America honors.
Modern facilities
Supported by a proud fan base that “bleeds purple,” the Warhawks compete and train in first-class facilities that have hosted both WIAC and NCAA tournament play.
Sports performance
Whether it’s physical or mental conditioning, our science-based programs are led by caring experts who help student-athletes reach their maximum potential in a safe environment.
Best football game day experience in Division III
Pack the Perk
From purple-clad tailgaters to cannon blasts that punctuate Warhawk touchdowns, the game day atmosphere at Perkins Stadium is electric. It makes for a strong home-field advantage.
UW-Whitewater fans love their Warhawks. Our football team led NCAA Division III in attendance during the 2021 season, drawing nearly 70,000 fans to Perkins Stadium for home games. That figure is nearly 18,000 more fans than its closest peer. UW-Whitewater has finished among the top 10 in the nation in attendance in each of the last 15 seasons.
Warhawk Strut
The UW-Whitewater Marching Band, known as “Wisconsin’s Finest” helps all Warhawks celebrate their teams on the court and on the field with the “Warhawk Strut” and other traditions.
Perkins Stadium atmosphere
"I get the chills every time. You don't get that anywhere else. You feel unbeatable."
– Defensive lineman Mackenzie Balanganayi
Best tailgating in Division III
"I am so excited every Saturday to be at Perkins Stadium to see everyone getting ready for a great game. Attendance just keeps increasing each year."
– Retired head coach Bob Berezowitz
Want to learn more about becoming a Warhawk? Contact our Admissions team »
