VMI believes that all cadets are athletes and all athletes are cadets. Athletics at VMI form an integral part of the mission to develop the whole person.

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.

The Virginia Military Institute Keydets participate in NCAA Division I and are members of the Southern Conference (SoCon), Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), or America East Conference (depending on sport).

NCAA DIVISION I

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NCAA Prospective Athletes

Every cadet is an athlete, and every athlete is a cadet.

This guiding principle of the importance of athletic competition and fitness helps build VMI's three-legged stool model, balancing academics, military training, and athletics. Each year, approximately 30% of the Corps of Cadets takes this athletic challenge to the field, court, pool, hall, or pitch as a member of the NCAA Division I Keydets program. The feature series Behind the Balance explores the personal stories of commitment, dedication, and perseverance in the cadet-athletes living and breathing this facet of life at VMI each day.

Explore more stories of these future leaders excelling and competing to win.

Club Sports

While the teams vary from year to year. Cadets may join a club sport in full member status after their ratline ends.  More information is available on the main Clubs & Activities page. Typical club sports at VMI include: