Athletics

As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 16 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics. With more than 300 student-athletes enrolled at UCCS, we are a proud group of Mountain Lions!  

VISION:

To positively transform the lives of UCCS Student Athletes through their experience as a Mountain Lion!

MISSION STATEMENT:
UCCS Athletics is an exceptional athletic program that is aligned with the mission and values of UCCS, the RMAC and the NCAA. UCCS Athletic teams will maintain championship standards of excellence in academics, athletics, leadership and service. UCCS strives to provide student athletes with exceptional opportunities and resources to excel in every aspect of their life.

University of Colorado Statement on Athletics
Intercollegiate athletics are intended to be an integral part of the overall program within the University. Concomitant with the dedication to excellence of the overall educational program of the University is the student-athlete's opportunity to acquire experiences outside the classroom that are in keeping with the general goals of the University. The privilege of participating in intercollegiate athletics is intended to enhance the overall educational experience of the participant. This is in keeping with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which governs intercollegiate athletics:

"The competitive athletic program of the colleges is designed to be a vital part of the educational system. A basic purpose of this association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete an integral part of the student body, and by doing so retain a clean line of demarcation between college athletics and professional sports."

The concept of the student-athlete demands that both the academic and athletic interests must be the concern of all units of the University. This means that the student-athlete shall be encouraged to achieve the highest level of academic success, and to complete the course work for a degree. At the same time while participating at the highest level of NCAA athletic competition, the program and process of the Athletic Department must conform to the academic, ethical, and moral values of the University. This we believe can only be accomplished through the joint efforts of all parts of the University community.

Hence, UCCS believes that intercollegiate athletic programs must be an integral part of the University's academic mission. Athletics give student-athletes an opportunity for significant learning experiences both within and out of the traditional classroom, fostering the educational and leadership growth that will stand them in good stead upon graduation. Thus, while we recognize that athletics are significant in creating student enthusiasm and loyalty, maintaining ties with alumni and friends, we also affirm our belief that our objective to excel in sports can and must be in conformity with the traditional university goals of scholarship and service.