Athletics

Small-School Support, Big-School Athletics

Because of the College’s partnership with Columbia University, Barnard is the only college for women where you can compete in NCAA Division I athletics.

Interested in Becoming a Div I Athlete?

Athletic Teams

The Competitive Edge

Since 1896, when a group of students created a bicycle club, Barnard women have been involved in some type of sport. Today the College’s student-athletes compete in 16 sports, ranging from archery and basketball to cross-country, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

See All 16

student archer

It’s a unique arrangement: The Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium allows Barnard students and women from Columbia’s undergraduate division to compete together in the NCAA Division I and the Ivy League while working with some of the country’s best coaches.

Being a college athlete means that I’m part of something bigger than myself. Knowing that I get to play the sport I love almost every day with 21 incredible athletes who are also incredibly smart is motivating.

Alana Palomino ’22, Field Hockey

Game On

varsity sports

Barnard scholar-athletes in 2019

National Fencing Championship

On and Off the Field

A study of women CEOs found that 80% had played competitive sports in their youth. It’s no surprise. Scholar-athletes learn confidence and teamwork. They learn time management skills (ask any Barnard athlete) and resilience. They want to win. And they learn how to make it happen here.

Trudi Patrick ’17: Competitive Swimmer

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Yudi Liu ’19

My Game: Men’s Lightweight Rowing (coxswain)

My Major: English with pre-med advisement

“As a woman on the men’s team, I’ve learned so much about communication and trust, which play important roles in relationships on and off the water.”

Ester Schreiber ’20

My Game: Women’s Fencing

My Major: Architecture with a philosophy minor

“I love being able to show younger children — and especially girls — that women can be strong and active and have all the agency that we’re often deprived of in media and society.”

Adele Bernhard ’18

My Game: Women’s Squash

My Major: History with a poli sci minor

“The scoreboard is just a number. But I think it speaks to the dedication and hard work the team exhibits.”

Isabel Weiss ’18

My Game: Women’s Swimming and Diving

My Majors: Economics and East Asian Studies

“I worked in the Beyond Barnard office helping my peers create resumes and cover letters. I love having an impact on the careers of fellow Barnard women.”

Seanna Barrett ’19

My Game: Women’s Swimming and Diving

My Major: Psychology

“When I first visited Barnard, I was blown away by the cheerful atmosphere and the fact it’s in one of the greatest cities in the world. I love that Barnard emphasizes the importance of women supporting other women.”

On and Off the Field

The fencing program at Columbia University has forced me to hone my time-management skills. Since we train at [Columbia’s] Dodge Hall in the morning twice a week, our evenings and the rest of the week are dedicated to training at our home clubs throughout the city.

Anne Cebula ’20

Being on an athletic team in college means you automatically have a group of people looking out for your best interests from day one. It brings a sense of security and community.

Maya Esberg ’22

Being an athlete in college is teaching me to balance my energy both physically and mentally. I am learning to take care of my body in ways that allow me to perform to the best of my ability, both on the track and in the classroom.

Sofia Camacho Ferral ’22