Athletics are not a major focus at Johns Hopkins. Even lacrosse, the most popular sport, doesn’t bring out the whole student body. Tickets to events are free for students, and it is fun to attend the big lax games against schools like Duke, Virginia, and North Carolina. Hopkins has one stadium, which is small by university standards. Homecoming is one of the few games where the stadium is filled, and students often are surprised that Hopkins celebrates Homecoming with a lacrosse game in the spring. Club and IM sports are open to everyone and aren’t overly competitive, but only a relatively small number of students participates in these events. At Hopkins, school spirit is defined by academics and research as opposed to athletics.
If you want a school with a strong athletics department, Hopkins is not the school for you. The University makes up for its apathy in other sports with its support for lacrosse, but, even so, some students do not care that the Hopkins lacrosse team is one of the top in the country. Other varsity sports are Division III, with low student support at games. There are many club and IM sports and a new recreation center if students want to stay active but want less competition. Hopkins' academic prestige should not be seen as implying weak athletics, though. Actually, many Hopkins teams have athletes with Division I talent that came to the school for its academics. In recent years, almost every single one of the teams has won the conference championship. Football, men's and women's soccer, women's cross country/track and field, volleyball, baseball, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's swimming have been dominant and very successful. However, most school spirit for athletics tends to stay within the athletes, as they root for each other.
Johns Hopkins Student ReviewsWhat's This?
Sort by:
Athletics at Johns Hopkins University
B+
No School Spirit Unless You Like Lacrosse
The only sport for which Hopkins really comes together is lacrosse. Despite having top teams in many other sports, Hopkins doesn't seem to encourage attendance to any games except those played by their only D1 sport. It's a pity, seeing as the performance by those other teams is equal to if not better than that of the lacrosse team.
Feb 03, 2012
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
Athletics at Johns Hopkins University
rose2013
Political Science and Government '13
3.5
B
Strong Teams, Lots of Support for Lacrosse
We have strong teams, but most are D3, and don't get a ton of fan support. Lacrosse is huge. Athletic facilities are great.
Dec 31, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
Athletics at Johns Hopkins University
C
Low School Spirit
Not many people attend the sporting events. This may be because of all sports other than lacrosse being DIII. Even with an amazing lacrosse team, many people are not supportive.
Dec 18, 2011
Comment actions:
Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
User rating for Johns Hopkins University - Athletics is
3.5 out of 5
based on 29 user reviews.
Become a Contributing Author Learn more »
Most Recent Student Author View all
- Name
- Dan White
- Hometown
- Glen Rock, NJ
- Major
- International Studies and Economics
- Grad Year
- 2012
College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.
Buy the eBook "Johns Hopkins University 2012: Off The Record"
Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)