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Warren Wilson College earns full membership in NCAA Division III

DIII aligns with the College’s focus on academics and student success
A group of Warren Wilson student athletes stand with their equipment smiling and cheering

The membership committee of the NCAA commended Warren Wilson College for its leadership and steady growth in athletics, awarding the College full and active membership in NCAA Division III effective September 1, 2024.

“The perseverance, determination and grit that the athletic department and student athletes have shown during the membership process speaks volumes about their commitment to the NCAA and the College,” said Robin Martin-Davis, Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach. “We are excited to represent Warren Wilson College at the NCAA Division III level. This is just the beginning of great things to come.”

To achieve DIII status the College added in the past two years Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Rugby, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, and Women’s Triathlon, as well as a full-time Sports Information Director and Strength and Conditioning coach. These new teams join the ranks with pre-existing teams in Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Cross Country, Cycling, Lacrosse, Soccer, and Swimming. The additional teams have contributed to a growth in student-athletes, which have made up 40 percent of new students for the last two years. A member of the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference since 2022, Warren Wilson has sent several teams to conference championships.

According to the NCAA, Division III is home to more than 430 institutions and 195,000 student-athletes—the most in any division. Division III promotes a well-rounded college experience that allows student-athletes to focus on their academic programs with the primary goal of earning a degree.

In the Spring of 2024 Warren Wilson student-athletes posted their highest-ever average GPA of 3.29. Twenty-six were named to the President’s list for achieving a 4.0 and 76 were recognized as part of the Athletic Director’s Academic Club for earning a 3.5 or higher. Eighty-one student athletes have been honored with recognition on the Coast to Coast All-Academic Team.

“We embrace the NCAA Division III emphasis on academics, student success and the overall quality of the college experience,” said President Damián J. Fernández, Ph.D. “Our new status with NCAA Division III contributes to the momentum building across Warren Wilson College as we implement Our Progressive Promise for All, which promises student empowerment through learning for the mind, experience for the heart, and community for the soul.”