Athletics

Athletics at VMI form an integral part of the school's aim to educate the whole person. The athletic program, managed honorably over many years, is critical to VMI's determination to encourage "the sound mind and sound body."

VMI's proud intercollegiate athletic history dates back to 1866 with the formation of a baseball team, but the first organized squad came in 1892 when cadet Walter H. Taylor served as captain and coach of the first football team in 1891. Since that time, VMI athletics has evolved into a rich and storied history that continues to thrive into the 21st century.

VMI fields 15 teams on the NCAA Division I level. The sports include baseball, basketball, men's and women's cross-country, football, lacrosse, men's and women's rifle, men's soccer, swimming, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling. Women's soccer moved to varsity Division I status in 2003.

VMI, with an enrollment of 1,250 cadets, has the third smallest enrollment among NCAA Division I institutions, behind only Centenary and Wofford. Approximately one-third of the Corps of Cadets plays on one of VMI's intercollegiate athletic teams making it one of the most active athletic programs among its student body.

Club Sports are not affiliated with the athletic department and are administered through the Office of Cadet Life.