Athletics
Go Diplomats!
F&M is among an elite group of liberal arts colleges that maintain exceptional academic standards while also competing in athletics at a highly successful level. With its primary membership affiliation in the Division III Centennial Conference, the Diplomats also compete at the NCAA Division I level in wrestling while additionally sponsoring both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 rowing and squash at the varsity level.
The College鈥檚 distinct perspective on intercollegiate athletics emerges from both
our historic mission of educational excellence and also from a deep commitment to
the holistic development of our students. We embrace the educational value of competitive
sports and structure our athletic programs to maximize their contribution to student
development. F&M regards its coaches as educators first and is committed to providing
the resources necessary to help them be the best teachers, mentors and leaders they
can be for our students. We view the athletic experience as a framework for helping
students maximize learning and success in all aspects of college life and beyond.
James Conway 鈥�25 is the First F&M Student to Earn the NCAA Elite 90 Award
This past spring, James Conway 鈥�25 became the first F&M student to earn the NCAA Elite
90 Award in any sport. The Elite 90 award is presented to the student-athlete with
the highest cumulative grade point average who has reached the national championship
level in their sport. Conway advanced to the NCAA Division I wrestling championships
for the first time during his junior season. He owns 73 career victories after three
seasons, ranking 15th in program history. Conway鈥檚 advice to incoming student-athletes
is succinct but effective: 鈥淭ry really, really hard,鈥� he said. 鈥淢aybe you're scared
to put everything into it, but if you do, then you can look back with no regrets.鈥�
Read More 禄鈥淚 wanted a school where I could be pushed on and off the court.鈥�
Omar Nichols 鈥�24, two-time co-captain of the Diplomat men鈥檚 basketball team, said
he chose F&M because of its high academic and athletic profiles. 鈥淚 wanted a school
where I could be pushed on and off the court,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he Centennial Conference
is one of the best NCAA Division III basketball conferences in the country, with talented
players and a rich history. Academically, I believed F&M was an institution that could
provide me with a quality education and help me develop long-lasting relationships.鈥�
Nichols said he most cherished the camaraderie he formed during his time at F&M. 鈥淎s
a member of the basketball team, I enjoyed the competition and the bonds forged with
my teammates,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eyond the court, I valued the friendships I created with
classmates and others I crossed paths with. I created lasting memories and fostered
friendships that I know will last beyond our college years.鈥�
Read More 禄鈥淧laying volleyball at F&M was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.鈥�
Meredith Mangum 鈥�24 wanted to play volleyball at a selective liberal arts college
with strong academics. 鈥淚 chose to attend F&M for the opportunity to form relationships
with professors and explore various academic pursuits to learn about my passions,鈥�
she said. While at F&M, Mangum became a two-time volleyball team captain, two-time
Centennial Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and Centennial Conference Defensive
Player of the Year. She was also named a Centennial Conference nominee for the NCAA's
Woman of the Year award. 鈥淧laying volleyball at F&M was an incredibly fun and rewarding
experience,鈥� she said.
Read More 禄
Fitness & Recreation
Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. With our recreation facilities, club and intramural sports, fitness classes and more, you鈥檒l find a good way to work up a healthy sweat while learning lessons in leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.Learn more
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