Athletic Program

Athletics at LaGrange College

LaGrange College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and the USA South Athletic Conference. The College colors are red and black. Intercollegiate teams compete in women’s basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, lacrosse, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball; men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and tennis. It is the philosophy of LaGrange College that the team participants are attending college primarily for a quality education, and no athletic scholarships are offered. The coaching staff is a group of highly qualified teachers who stress the educational aims of the College.

As an institution that does not award financial scholarships based on athletic success, LaGrange College is committed to a full program of non-scholarship athletics that encourages the student-athlete to reap the benefits of educationally sound activity that encourages and promotes a strong academic regime. Students are given the opportunity to participate fully in their given sport and to compete with other teams locally, statewide, and regionally.

LaGrange College Athletics Mission Statement

The athletic department exists for the purpose of challenging student-athletes at LaGrange College in their search for excellence and respect in both academic and athletic performance. Student-athletes are expected to develop and show respect, sportsmanship, and commitment, as well as pride in the traditions of LaGrange College. Our aim is the transformation of the whole student—body, mind, and soul.

LaGrange College Athletics Statement of Philosophy

Intercollegiate athletics at LaGrange College provide students with an integral complement to their overall educational experience. Recognizing the importance of athletics to the individual student while seeking to strike an appropriate balance between the life of the mind (academics) and participation in co-curricular offerings, the college is committed to providing a program of intercollegiate athletics that is student-centered for both participants and spectators. The college believes that the primary function of intercollegiate athletics at a church-related, liberal arts college is to provide a high quality co-curricular complement to its overall mission. As such, academics will always have priority over athletics or other co-curricular pursuits.

LaGrange College seeks to recruit and retain student-athletes who understand the balance of priorities between academics and co-curricular programs, whether the latter are athletics, the performing arts, or other student activities. The college employs coaches who understand that balance of priorities, and its coaches seek to recruit students who will be successful student-athletes. As an institution that does not aware financial scholarships based on athletic success, our coaches work as part of the enrollment team to identify students who will be both successful on the field, in the classroom, and in life following graduation.

The College embraces a commitment to instill and develop the values of superlative ethical conduct and fair play among its athletes, coaches, spectators, and other constituents. Further, LaGrange College recognizes that student-athletes are role models to their peers as well as representatives of the college, and the college actively encourages student-athletes to conduct themselves in a manner that befits those roles.

Consistent with the College’s Statement on Non-Discrimination, LaGrange College is committed to gender equity and values cultural diversity. The college will invest sufficient resources to ensure that medical and athletic training services are available to all student-athletes at appropriate times. It shall strive to ensure that all individuals on all teams are treated with the same level of fairness, resources, and respect so that all athletes are afforded an equal opportunity to develop their potential as a student-athlete.

The LaGrange College Athletic Department uses the NCAA manual of rules and regulations as guide for conduct and action. The department follows and supports the USA South Conference and the LaGrange College policies and procedures as well.

Intramural Sports

Overseen by Athletics, intramurals provide opportunities for wholesome recreation and competition among members of the campus community. Teams representing campus organizations and independents compete in organized tournaments and events throughout the year. Competitive events include flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball, dodge ball, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Many opportunities are available for recreational use of the facilities in the LaGrange College Aquatics Complex: recreational swimming and lap swimming all year round in the indoor pool, the Aquarius water work-out stations, water aerobics, aqua exercise, or aqua exercise class (non-credit).

The facilities and equipment of the Department of Physical Education also are available for student recreational use when these are not scheduled for instructional, athletic, or intramural sports use. The use of outdoor equipment (backpacks, tents, stoves, lanterns) requires the payment of a small deposit, which is refunded upon the safe return of the equipment. The fitness center, gymnasium, and pools are available for student/faculty/staff use during posted hours. A valid LaGrange College ID is necessary for admittance to all facilities.