Overview
Students readily adopt Emory's long-standing "athletics for all" philosophy, with lively participation in varsity athletics, intramural teams, sports clubs, and exercise for health and fitness.
Emory's 18 varsity teams compete within NCAA Division III, whose members do not award athletic scholarships or give preferential treatment to student-athletes. The Emory Eagles are cheered on by a mascot named "Swoop."
'Athletics for all'
Undergraduates are required to take four courses in physical education.
All Emory students and WoodPEC members may participate in intramural league and club sports. Opportunities range from flag football to triathlons to ultimate frisbee.
For the record, Emory's "athletics for all" idea dates from the 1890s, when the school president denounced intercollegiate sport competition as an academic distraction.
At the same time, he encouraged athletic activity as good for the mind as well as the body, and had sports facilities developed on campus.
Facilities
The athletics and recreation program is based at George W. Woodruff Physical Education Center (WoodPEC) on the main campus:
- Olympic-sized pool
- large arena serving basketball, volleyball, badminton and fencing
- eight outdoor and four indoor tennis courts
- 400-meter outdoor and 200-meter indoor tracks
- racquetball and squash courts
- two climbing walls
- two dance studios
- weight and cardio fitness equipment
The main campus also features four irrigated athletic fields, along with the Blomeyer Health Fitness Center (faculty and staff only).
On the Clairmont campus, the Student Activity and Academic Center offers:
- Olympic-size pool
- outdoor tennis courts
- basketball and volleyball courts
- a strength conditioning room
- state-of-the-art classrooms
