The U.S. Air Force Academy has varsity teams in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, swimming and diving, and track and field. This guide to what sports does the air force academy have also separates varsity teams from club and intramural sports, so you can tell which options compete at the college level.
The Academy’s athletic program is broader than its best-known teams. Here’s how its sports are organized, which teams are offered, and what cadets can expect if they want to take part.
What sports does the air force academy have?
The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs fields a range of men’s and women’s varsity teams. Its sports include football, baseball, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, gymnastics, fencing, lacrosse, rifle, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, wrestling, and golf.
Some sports are offered only on a men’s or women’s team, while others have separate teams for both. Rifle is a coed program, and boxing is an Academy intercollegiate sport that is not an NCAA championship sport. The precise list and team arrangements can change, so check the Academy’s athletics roster for the current season.
Air Force Academy varsity sports by team
The table summarizes the main varsity offerings. “Men’s” and “women’s” refer to the team categories used by the Academy; the list does not mean every sport has both teams.
| Sport | Team offering | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Men’s | Outdoor team sport with a spring season. |
| Basketball | Men’s and women’s | Both teams compete in college basketball. |
| Boxing | Men’s and women’s | Academy intercollegiate sport; not an NCAA championship sport. |
| Cross country | Men’s and women’s | Distance running, usually contested in the fall. |
| Fencing | Men’s and women’s | Competitive bouts use three weapons: foil, épée, and sabre. |
| Football | Men’s | The Falcons’ high-profile fall team. |
| Golf | Men’s | College team competition on a course. |
| Gymnastics | Men’s and women’s | Separate programs with different event lineups. |
| Ice hockey | Men’s | Varsity hockey with a college season. |
| Lacrosse | Men’s and women’s | Check the Academy’s current roster for program and season details. |
| Rifle | Coed | A precision shooting sport; athletes compete in rifle events. |
| Soccer | Men’s | Outdoor varsity soccer. |
| Swimming and diving | Men’s and women’s | Pool racing and diving events. |
| Tennis | Men’s and women’s | Varsity singles and doubles competition. |
| Track and field | Men’s and women’s | Includes running, jumping, and throwing events. |
| Volleyball | Men’s and women’s | Separate indoor varsity programs. |
| Water polo | Men’s | A team sport played in a pool. |
| Wrestling | Men’s | Collegiate wrestling competition. |
This overview is meant to help you sort the sports, not replace the live team directory. New programs, schedule changes, or conference arrangements may affect details from one academic year to another.
How varsity sports differ from club and intramural sports
Varsity sports are the Academy’s top college teams. They compete against other colleges, follow formal team schedules, and require athletes to try out or meet team selection standards. Many varsity teams compete in NCAA Division I, though not every Academy intercollegiate sport fits the NCAA structure.
Club sports give cadets a way to train and compete in sports that may not have a varsity team. Clubs often compete with other colleges or in organized events, but their structure and schedule differ from varsity athletics.
Intramural sports are organized competitions within the Academy community. They can suit cadets who want to play a sport without joining a college varsity roster. The available activities and participation arrangements can vary by term.
| Type | Who competes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Varsity | Selected Academy athletes versus other colleges | Cadets pursuing high-level college competition |
| Club | Cadets in organized sport clubs, sometimes against other schools | Students seeking structured training beyond varsity options |
| Intramural | Teams or individuals within the Academy community | Cadets looking for accessible recreational competition |
A common misunderstanding is that the varsity list shows every sport a cadet can try. It does not. Club and intramural programs may offer additional ways to participate, so check those listings separately if a particular sport is missing from the varsity roster.
What cadets should consider before choosing a sport
At the Academy, athletics sit alongside a demanding military and academic schedule. A sport’s competition calendar, practice commitments, and travel can affect how a cadet organizes each week. The best fit depends not only on interest, but also on the time and training the activity requires.
- Check the level: Decide whether you want varsity competition, club participation, or intramural play.
- Review eligibility and tryouts: Ask the relevant coach or program staff about selection, eligibility, and recruitment expectations.
- Compare schedules: Look at practices, competitions, and travel before committing to a team.
- Ask about current availability: Team offerings and club activity can change, so confirm the current roster and schedule.
If you are a prospective cadet, do not assume that past high-school experience guarantees a varsity place. Coaches set team requirements, and admission to the Academy is separate from selection for a team. Contact the appropriate program for current recruiting and tryout information.
Which Air Force Academy sports are most visible?
Football often draws the most attention because it has a prominent college schedule and a long-standing place in the Academy’s public profile. Basketball, ice hockey, and other varsity teams also compete in college settings and have their own seasons and followings.
Visibility is not the same as opportunity. A sport with less media attention may still offer serious competition, a dedicated team, and a demanding training program. If you are choosing a sport to follow or pursue, use the roster and schedule—not popularity alone—to compare the options.
The Academy’s location also makes training conditions relevant for outdoor sports. Colorado Springs sits at high elevation, which can affect how exercise feels, especially for people not accustomed to it. For a prospective athlete, the practical question is how a specific team prepares and supports its athletes, rather than assuming every sport faces the same demands.
How to find the right team information
- Start with the Academy athletics roster. Find the sport and confirm whether it has a men’s, women’s, or coed team.
- Open the team’s schedule. This shows its competition season and gives a clearer sense of the calendar.
- Check the club and intramural listings. Look there if you want to play a sport without joining a varsity team.
- Contact the program directly. Coaches or activity staff can clarify current tryout, eligibility, and participation details.
This extra check prevents a frequent mix-up: seeing a sport associated with the Academy and assuming it is a varsity team. Confirming the program type helps you understand the competition level and how to get involved.
The short answer to what sports does the air force academy have is that it offers a wide range of varsity programs, along with club and intramural opportunities. If you are considering a team, start with the current roster and schedule, then contact that program to confirm its requirements and participation options.