Athletics at University of La Verne

Hi everyone! I've been looking into the University of La Verne and I'm really curious about their sports scene. What sports are they known for, and what's the overall athleticism like on campus? Are there any big rivalries or school spirit around the sports teams?

Hello! The University of La Verne is a NCAA Division III institution, which means that while athletics is a significant part of campus life, the focus is more on the overall student-athlete experience, academics, and personal growth than the high-level competition usually found at Division I or II schools. That being said, the University of La Verne fields 18 men's and women's varsity sports teams as part of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), and La Verne student-athletes certainly train hard and take their sports seriously.

Some of the more popular sports on campus include basketball, soccer, and track and field. Additionally, the school's baseball and softball teams have had success in the past. However, as with any college, the interest in athletics varies according to personal preferences, as well as each team's performance in a given year, and many students enjoy participating or cheering for a variety of sports offered on campus.

Regarding rivalries, the University of La Verne has friendly and spirited rivalries with other schools in the SCIAC, like the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). These rivalries may not be as intense as those found in larger Division I schools, but matches against these teams can still generate enthusiasm and school spirit among students, faculty, and the broader community.

There are also intramural and club sports available on campus, which provide ample opportunities for students of all skill levels to participate in athletics in a more relaxed, less competitive setting. These options can further contribute to the overall athleticism on campus as students bond and support each other in both varsity and non-varsity sports.

Overall, the University of La Verne offers a balanced environment where athletics is an integral part of the college experience, but it's not overly dominant. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports at varying competitive levels, all while enjoying school spirit, friendly rivalries, and engaging in personal and academic growth. Go Leopards!