Whitman College affirms the classical ideal that physical fitness complements intellectual development. Whitman’s programs of sport studies, recreation and athletics are designed to contribute to the liberal education of our students as they engage their minds and bodies in vigorous fitness, wellness, and competitive activity.
Whitman supports athletics for two reasons: 1) as they train and strive to excel, student-athletes complement and strengthen the education they are pursuing; and 2) athletics contributes in unique ways to campus life and fosters a strong sense of community.
To achieve these ends, the College provides the resources to enable teams and individuals to compete effectively in the NCAA Division III, and to enable those individuals and teams who qualify to compete at regional and national levels.
The athletics program at Whitman College is designed to support:
- the overall mission of the college;
- the principles of fair play and amateur athletics, as defined by NCAA legislation;
- the overall academic success of student-athletes;
- the overall health and welfare of student-athletes;
- the principle of equal access to athletic opportunities by men and women.
Whitman holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Division III) and the Northwest Conference (NWC). The college fields men and women’s teams in basketball, swimming, tennis, soccer, cross country, golf, and distance track. Women also compete in volleyball and Lacrosse, and men in baseball. Whitman College, as an NCAA III member does not offer athletic scholarships; however, all students may apply for need based financial aid and academic scholarships.
Department of sport studies, recreation and athletics staff members supervise the student run intramural programs; about 70 percent of Whitman students take part in such intramural sports as flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and ultimate Frisbee. The college also sponsors several club sports programs, including rugby, skiing, ultimate Frisbee, and cycling. For a complete and updated list of club and intramural opportunities, please see www.whitman.edu/athletics and follow the links to club sports or intramural sports.
Sherwood Athletic Center, the main athletic complex was completely renovated as of August 2009. It features a 1,200-seat gymnasium, a training room, a strength and conditioning room, a practice gym, batting cages, racquetball and squash courts, dance studios, and a 7,000+ square-foot indoor climbing wall.
The college has four indoor tennis courts in the Bratton Tennis Center as well as six outdoor courts, which supports all student, faculty/staff and community use.
Baker Ferguson Fitness Center offers a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, and the Paul and Louise Harvey Aquatic Center features a 30-meter swimming pool.
Baseball games take place at 3,000-seat Borleske Stadium, which also includes an indoor 3 tunnel batting cage. The golf team practices at 18-hole Memorial Golf Course, the Walla Walla Country Club, and Wine Valley Golf Club. The Whitman Athletic Fields Complex hosts the men and women’s soccer and the women’s lacrosse teams in addition to a variety of club and intramural competitions.