When most people think of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), they think of academic excellence and military training.
However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is athletics. The USAFA places significant importance on physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which is why there’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved in sports. From Division I NCAA teams to clubs and intramurals, cadets are spoiled for choice.
Athletics’ role in cadet development
The Academy's comprehensive approach to cadet life means that athletic performance is just as important as studies. Seriously. Not to mention, they’re a required part of the curriculum. Athletics promote teamwork, discipline, and leadership – qualities that are essential for cadets as they prepare for a future of service in the Air or Space Forces.
Beyond the obvious physical benefits sports provide, athletics all give a much-needed mental break from the demands of cadet life. USAFA can be stressful, and sports offer an opportunity for cadets to unwind, connect with others, and channel their energy into something productive and exciting.
The Academy’s Division I sports program
For cadets interested in competing at the highest level possible, the Academy offers a robust Division I NCAA sports program. It’s home to 27 different men’s and women’s teams that cover pretty much any major category you can think of. If you were part of a team in high school and want to continue playing while you pursue an education, the Academy’s got you covered.
NCAA Division I teams
The Academy’s Division I sports teams are an elite group. Here’s a short list of its most prominent sports programs:
- Football: The Air Force Falcons football team is a staple of Academy athletics. With a long history of success, including bowl appearances and rivalries with teams like the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen, the football program at USAFA is one of the most well-known and respected in the country.
- Basketball: Both men’s and women’s basketball teams at USAFA compete in the Mountain West Conference. The Academy’s basketball teams have had notable success and are always looking for talented players to join their ranks.
- Swimming & Diving: The Air Force Falcons swimming and diving teams have a tradition of excellence in NCAA competitions and have even produced a few Olympians over the years
- Boxing: Boxing is a longstanding tradition at the Academy, and the Air Force Falcons boxing team has raised numerous champions over the years.
Fencing: For those more sophisticated cadets, the USAFA fencing team is something of a legend. The sport has a rich history at the Academy, and cadets who compete in fencing gain quite a few bragging rights during their careers.
In addition to popular sports, the Academy also offers teams for lacrosse, soccer, track, golf, and tennis. For many cadets, joining a Division I team is the pinnacle of their athletic experience at USAFA.
How to get involved in Division I sports
Many cadets arrive at the Academy having already been recruited by USAFA coaches. For others, there are a couple of limited opportunities for walk-ons, but these slots are extremely competitive.
USAFA Division I teams are always on the lookout for top talent, so if you have aspirations of playing, get your name out there early. You can learn more about the process and various sports at the Air Force Falcons website.
The Academy’s club sports
If Division I’s a touch above your weight class but you still want to play on a team, USAFA offers a wide range of club sports. These GROUPS offer a more relaxed and social atmosphere for cadets to make friends while also getting a regular dose of friendly competition with their classmates.
Popular club sports at the Academy
Some of the most popular club sports at the Academy include:
- Rugby: This club is super lively and has made numerous championship appearances. It’s a great choice for athletes looking for a challenge.
- Ultimate Frisbee: This club continues to grow in popularity at the Academy, and for good reason. Ultimate frisbee is the perfect sport for cadets across the athleticism spectrum, which makes for an interesting social experience.
- Volleyball: This is another popular club sport at the USAFA that regularly competes in tournaments at other military institutions and colleges.
- Handball: This is one of the newer, more popular crazes sweeping the sports scene, and Academy athletes have leaned into it. Handball is known for its dynamic matches and interesting play style.
Intramural sports as an alternative
Even if you’re not part of a Division I or club sports team, you’ll still have the chance to compete in intramural sports. Every cadet who isn’t on a varsity or club team is required to participate in intramurals, which are an excellent way to stay physically fit and have fun. Intramural sports take place in both the fall and spring semesters and run the gamut, from basketball and flag football and everything in between.
Other clubs besides athletics
The Air Force Academy has over 90 active clubs on campus, meaning there’s a wide range of extracurricular activities available for cadets.
Some of the most popular clubs include:
- Drum & Bugle Corps: This is the musical brigade that performs at Academy events, including football games. It’s steeped in Air Force tradition and carries with it a degree of prestige.
- Honor Guard: Cadets involved in the Honor Guard are responsible for performing ceremonial duties at official events, like funerals, retirements, and, you guessed it, sporting events.
- Falconry: Yes, it’s what you’re thinking. You can train real falcons at the Academy. It’s an integral piece of USAFA history and plays a big role in keeping history alive on campus.
Conclusion
Sports and athletics are a part of life at the Academy. You might say it’s part of the institution’s DNA. No matter how you want to get involved, there’s going to be something available to suit your interests.
Sports and clubs at the Academy encourage teamwork, foster collaboration, and refine the leaders of tomorrow. In a way, sports are the unsung curriculum that helps future Air and Space Force officers learn to manage conflict and confrontation, manage teams, and strategize.
So, in short, whether you’re a future football star or just looking to stay active in a social setting, USAFA has what you’re looking for.
If you want to take the next step and maximize your chance of getting accepted into the Air Force Academy, you can enroll in our full Academy Blueprint online course, here.
