Whitman College
- Athletics

Athletics Are Really Great

Yes, Whitman has Division III athletics. But while this does mean that varsity athletes can't get scholarships for their athletics, that lack of scholarships really ensures that our athletes are participating because they love their sports. As someone who has been doing competitive swimming since the age of 8, and for whom a good swim team was essential to the college search, I couldn't be happier than I have been in my time as a varsity swimmer at Whitman. Even outside of the swim team (which is basically my family), I have been super impressed by the other athletics on campus. Not only are our teams excellent, both academically and competitively (we consistently have some of the highest GPA's among Division III athletics in the nation, and are consistently high ranking in the conference, and on a national level), they are an integral part of the campus community, and something that students really come together over. I love athletics at Whitman, and this view on varsity sports doesn't even touch the intramural and club sports, which, believe me, are both awesome and HUGE on campus.

Outstanding Athletics Culture, Facilities and Support

Whitman has hands down the best athletics facilities in the Northwest Conference. Our fitness center, which is used by both Varsity athletes as well as the general campus community, rivals many DI fitness centers. Aside from the phenomenal facilities, the support from students, staff, and faculty is consistently excellent. As a Varsity athlete, I have never been to an athletic event without running into both professors and other Varsity athletes there to support their peers. This year, Whitman qualified more teams for National level competition than ever before. Men's and Women's tennis both won berths to Nationals, as did Women's Golf, and two Varsity Men's swimmers. All the varsity sports are on the rise! If you're considering participating at a DIII institution, Whitman is an unparalleled atmosphere in which to compete. Aside from the support from the campus and community, the school is required not to dock student-athletes who miss class due to competition or travel. Being an athlete here has been the defining experience of my four years! Oh, yeah, we have lots of club sports, including tremendous frisbee teams, rugby, lacrosse, cycling, water polo, men's volley ball, tennis, track, nordic and downhill skiing, and snowboarding. To top it off, we have dozens of intramural sports like flag football, soccer, dogeball, tennis, basketball, and softball, to name a few. Bottom line: no we're not a big time state school, but we take our athletics extraordinarily seriously.

We're Not DI, but We Get Excited About Sports

We don't have a football team. No cheerleaders. No grinning mascot to cheer behind. But we come out, and we support. Basketball games are always fun, and people from the community, including retired professors from years ago, come to cheer as well. Our tennis teams are great. (Men's tennis is ranked 8th in the country!) I played varsity tennis last year, and felt that there was also a strong community between varsity athletes.

For those not inclined to varsity, IM sports are incredibly fun. Most students participate in them, and winning the IM championship blue shirt is an accomplishment that Whitties aspire towards.