Athletic events and the numerous opportunities for student-athletes to compete in Division I sports are an important part of our vibrant campus experience. According to NCAA statistics, the graduation rate of SMU athletes is 78%, compared to the national Division I rate of about 58%. That’s because our athletes are also scholars, and we provide them with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, on the field and in their futures.
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SMU Mustangs compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Doak Walker Award, an annual collegiate award given to recognize the nation’s premier running back for his accomplishments on the football field, achievement in the classroom and citizenship in the community, is named after SMU Heisman Trophy Winner Doak Walker.
In the 2023–2024 season, the Mustangs brought eight American Athletic Conference championships back home to the Hilltop, plus one first-ever national championship in equestrian. Men’s tennis, men’s swimming and rowing were all repeat champions. Women’s tennis celebrated their first AAC title. SMU football, women's golf and volleyball enjoyed their first conference titles in several years. Men’s soccer went on to the third round of the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in nine seasons, and football competed in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl in Boston on December 28.
Intramural and club sports provide the campus community opportunities to stay active and challenge themselves to try something new. In addition to engaging in individual and team competition, students can also develop leadership skills by organizing and managing teams or pursue employment opportunities in officiating, scorekeeping, officiating and more.