In support of the mission of the College, Bates offers a variety of intercollegiate, club, intramural, and recreational programs designed to enable students of all backgrounds and experience levels to partake in activities that support health and wellness. More than 80 percent of students participate in programs sponsored by the Department of Athletics. Athletic participation, recreation, and physical engagement are important ways for students to create connections, build community, and develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Athletic facilities are available for all students to use, and have time reserved and dedicated for recreational use. These facilities are scheduled for intercollegiate, club, intramural, and organized recreational programs. When available for open recreation activities, students may use the facilities informally for participating in individual and team pickup sports, as well as for personal fitness activities. More information is available on the Bates Athletics website.

Varsity Sports

Bates sponsors 31 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men’s teams include alpine skiing, baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track, lacrosse, Nordic skiing, outdoor track, rowing, soccer, squash, swimming and diving, and tennis. Women's teams include alpine skiing, basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, indoor track, lacrosse, Nordic skiing, outdoor track, rowing, soccer, softball, squash, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball.

The College’s intercollegiate programs compete as Division III members of the NCAA. Bates sustains active membership in state, regional, and national athletic conferences and associations, including the NCAA and the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). The NESCAC institutions include: Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, Connecticut College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, Trinity College, Tufts University, Wesleyan University, and Williams College. 

Bates maintains an athletics website, which includes rosters, schedules, and news about all 31 varsity sports.

Club Sport Opportunities

The Department of Athletics sponsors a variety of club sports in addition to our varsity teams. More information is available on the Bates Club Sports website.

Intramural Opportunities

Sustained participation, fun, and friendly competition are the goals of the intramural sports program. Various tournament and special-event offerings are overseen by professional staff members as well as student workers. Intramural activities include basketball, pickleball, spike ball, flag football, dodgeball, soccer, and softball. More information on intramural opportunities is available here.