Athletics
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.
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.
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.
» Read more about our scholar-athletes

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.

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.

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.