NSU Varsity Athletics: Current Programs and Future Expansion
NSU is committed to providing a robust athletic environment for its student-athletes, offering a wide array of intercollegiate sports that foster competition, teamwork, and excellence. Currently, the university supports 14 varsity teams across various disciplines, ensuring opportunities for both men and women to compete at a high level.
Current Varsity Sports Offerings
The university's current athletic portfolio is balanced between men's and women's programs. These teams compete in a variety of field, court, and mat sports, providing diverse pathways for athletic achievement.
Men's Varsity Teams
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Wrestling
Women's Varsity Teams
- Basketball
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Strategic Growth and Program Expansion
NSU is entering a period of significant growth to increase national championship opportunities for its student-athletes. On June 30, 2025, the university announced a strategic plan to add seven varsity teams over a two-year period.
The expansion will roll out in phases. For the 2026–27 academic year, the university will debut varsity programs in volleyball as well as men's and women's wrestling. Following this, the 2027–28 academic year will see the addition of men's and women's cross country and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field.
Further diversifying its offerings, NSU announced on June 25, 2026, that a varsity rodeo program is planned to begin intercollegiate competition in 2027, pending official approval. Additionally, the university recently revived its men's tennis program in March 2025, ending a 24-year hiatus and returning to competition in the fall 2025 season. In total, these initiatives will add 11 new programs eligible for national championships.
Key Facts
- Current Scale: 14 active intercollegiate sports.
- Expansion Goal: 11 additional programs to be added.
- Recent Revival: Men's tennis returned in fall 2025 after 24 years.
- Upcoming Sports: Volleyball and wrestling (2026-27); Track and Field and Cross Country (2027-28).
- Pending Addition: Varsity rodeo (planned for 2027).
Athletic Achievements
NSU has a history of success on the national stage. A standout moment in the university's athletic history occurred in 2003, when the men's basketball team secured the NCAA Division II National Championship with a 75–64 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan.
| Timeline | Programs Added/Revived | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Men's Tennis | Active |
| 2026–27 Academic Year | Volleyball, Men's & Women's Wrestling | Planned |
| 2027–28 Academic Year | Men's & Women's Track and Field, Men's & Women's Cross Country | Planned |
| 2027 | Varsity Rodeo | Pending Approval |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many varsity sports does NSU currently offer?
NSU currently competes in 14 intercollegiate sports across men's and women's categories.
When will the new wrestling and volleyball teams begin competing?
Men's and women's wrestling, along with volleyball, are scheduled to debut as varsity sports in the 2026–27 academic year.
What is the status of the NSU rodeo program?
The varsity rodeo program was announced on June 25, 2026, and is expected to begin intercollegiate competition in 2027, pending approval.
Which program recently returned after a long absence?
The men's tennis program was revived in March 2025 and resumed competition in the fall 2025 season after being absent for 24 years.
What is the most notable achievement of the men's basketball team?
The men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2003, defeating Kentucky Wesleyan 75–64.