Discover what it means to be a Division III athlete at SUNY Oneonta, where you can compete at a high level while prioritizing academics and a well-rounded college experience.
With flexible schedules and shorter practice seasons, you’ll have the freedom to explore campus activities, study abroad or work part-time. Competing mainly in regional events means less travel, giving you more time to thrive academically and socially. At SUNY Oneonta, being a DIII athlete is about more than just sports – it’s about growing intellectually and living purposefully to make the most of your college life.
Approximately 500 students – around 11% of our undergraduate population – proudly represent the university as members of its 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams.
Athletic Teams
Visit a team page to view a roster, schedule, news and more!
SUNYAC Championships & NCAA National Titles
Our Red Dragons have secured 56 SUNYAC Championships across a range of sports, showcasing our competitive edge within the State University of New York Athletic Conference.
SUNY Oneonta athletes have claimed eight individual national championships in NCAA Division III competitions, reflecting our commitment to excellence and personal achievement.
Wrestling
- 2025 SUNYAC Championship: SUNY Oneonta clinched its first-ever SUNYAC Wrestling Championship in January 2025, tying with Cortland at 141 points.
- Individual Standouts:
- Jack Ryan won the 184-pound championship.
- Avery Leonard (149 lbs), Mason Rappold (165 lbs) and Carson LiCastri (197 lbs) were runners-up, solidifying Oneonta’s competitive presence on the mat.
Soccer
- NCAA Tournament Success: The men’s soccer team consistently qualifies for the NCAA Division III Tournament, highlighted by a national semifinal appearance in 2014.
- Ali Somow: Men’s player who made All-American in the 2024 season.
Basketball
- SUNYAC Tournament Finals Appearances: The men’s basketball team has reached the SUNYAC tournament finals five times, including a recent run in 2022.
Cross Country
- 2024 SUNYAC Individual Champion: Jonthomas Bierman became the first SUNY Oneonta runner to win the SUNYAC individual men’s cross country title in 2024.
- Team Performance: The men’s team finished second overall in the SUNYAC team standings, narrowly behind Cortland.
Soccer
- NCAA Division III National Champions: The 2003 women’s soccer team captured the NCAA Division III National Championship, securing SUNY Oneonta's first team national title.
Basketball
- SUNYAC Tournament Success: The women’s basketball team regularly qualifies for the SUNYAC Tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals or beyond.
Field Hockey
- SUNYAC Rookie of the Year: Alexandra Howell was honored as the 2024 SUNYAC Rookie of the Year, finishing third in the conference with 11 assists, marking her as one of the top newcomers in the league.
Track & Field
- All-Americans: Ejim Nnate made All-American in the 60-meter hurdles and 100-meter hurdles, and Isabella Fabrizio made All-American in the shot-put event.
Academic Support and Success
At SUNY Oneonta, student-athletes have access to the same academic services as the general student body, plus additional support tailored to their success. Resources include our Academic Coordinator, faculty mentors and coaches. Many athletes complete an Academic Game Plan, attend study halls and participate in academic workshops. Our student-athletes consistently maintain a GPA of around 3.15. With a first-year retention rate of over 95%, our athletes demonstrate academic commitment and success both on and off the field.
Athletic Facilities
Community and Leadership
At SUNY Oneonta, our athletes are more than just competitors – they’re leaders, role models and active community members. Our student-athletes dedicate over 6,000 hours each year to community service, proving that greatness isn’t just measured by wins but by the positive impact made beyond the game.
Our teams make a difference through initiatives like Community Leaf Raking, The Giving Tree, Youth Sports Clinics, Adaptive Sports Days, providing Thanksgiving Baskets to those in need and more. These experiences strengthen our community and build well-rounded individuals ready to lead in all aspects of life.
Meet Red the Dragon
Red has been a symbol of school spirit and pride since the late 1940s. Originating from the "deepest, darkest caves of the Catskills," Red passionately represents all 21 athletic teams at the university.
In 2021, Red achieved significant recognition by winning SUNY's Mascot Madness competition, a spirited contest among 34 SUNY mascots. After five competitive rounds and nearly 40,000 votes, Red was crowned "New York's favorite college mascot," besting SUNY Jefferson's Boomer the Cannoneer by over 600 points in the final round.
Be Part of the Action – Become a Red Dragon
Apply to SUNY Oneonta today and take the first step toward an unforgettable college experience.
Coaches at SUNY Oneonta actively identify prospective student-athletes who are a great fit for our programs. Prospective students can contact coaches directly or fill out a prospective student questionnaire.
Clubs Sports and Intramurals
If you love sports but aren’t looking to compete on a Division III team, we offer plenty of other ways to stay active, develop your skills and make friends. Whether you’re interested in club sports or intramurals, you’ll find a welcoming community, exciting competition and a great way to stay involved on campus.
Club Sports
SUNY Oneonta boasts over 100 Student Association-recognized clubs, encompassing academic, athletic, cultural, spiritual, humanitarian, and various interest-based groups. Among these are women’s and men’s athletic clubs that provide students with opportunities to engage in sports beyond the varsity level and travel for competition.
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Rugby
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Golf
- Equestrian
- Exercise Science Club
- Esports
- Outdoor Adventure
- Oneonta Club Sports Council
- Badminton
- Sports Management Club
- Fencing
- Ski and Snowboard
Intramural Programs
The intramural sports program at SUNY Oneonta is designed to offer structured recreational activities for all students, regardless of skill level. These programs include a variety of team and individual/dual sports, organized through a sign-up procedure, with a competition schedule, supervision/officiating and a declared champion at the conclusion of each competition.
Some intramural offerings include:
- 5v5 Basketball (Men's & Women's Teams)
- Wiffleball
- Dodgeball (Men's & Co-Rec Teams)
- Volleyball (Co-Rec Teams)
- Indoor Soccer (Men's & Co-Rec Teams)
These activities are typically held in campus facilities such as the Chase Gym and Alumni Field House, with games scheduled during evening hours to accommodate various student timetables.