The Academy seeks to promote midshipman growth as a “whole person” and is concerned with physical development and with nurturing character, leadership and intellect. Physical fitness and athletics are therefore an important part of midshipman life.

The varsity athletic program is comprehensive, but emphasis on intercollegiate competition is balanced with a midshipman’s academic obligations. The Academy strives to develop a healthy interest in athletics and to field teams that are competitive. This program offers physical development, recreation and a healthy focus for midshipman pride and loyalty. For male midshipmen, the Academy offers the following varsity sports: baseball, basketball, crew, cross-country, football, golf, lacrosse, pistol, rifle, intercollegiate sailing, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

For female students, there are these varsity sports: basketball, crew, cross-country, pistol, rifle, intercollegiate sailing, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, and volleyball.