Athletics at Taylor

NAIA Intercollegiate Athletics: The Trojan Difference

At Taylor, our commitment to Christ affects every aspect of life—including how our student-athletes play the game, run the race, and finish the match. Taylor’s athletic success is not measured solely by points and times, but by the way our student-athletes and coaches demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, integrity, and humility on and off the field.

Taylor Athletics now has 16 intercollegiate athletic teams—including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, track & field, and volleyball—that uphold this commitment. We pray with our competition. We honor officials. We applaud our fans. And we strive to come out on top.

High Achievers, On and Off the Field

Since 1933, when intercollegiate athletics first began at Taylor, Taylor Athletics has focused on developing student-athletes holistically—body, mind, and soul—for excellence on and off the field and for service at home and around the world.

Taylor University is as dedicated to excellence in athletics as it is to excellence in the classroom—strengthening our bodies as well as our minds. All of Taylor’s athletic teams average a 3.0 or higher GPA, placing Taylor first in the nation among NAIA schools.

Trojans are routinely recognized collectively and individually for their well-rounded excellence, on the field or court and in the classroom. Taylor’s athletic teams receive numerous scholar-athlete recognitions, ranging from NAIA Players-of-the-Year and Capital One All-American awards, to Crossroads League Players-of-the-Year and CoSIDA Academic All-American awards.

Our academic and athletic successes can largely be attributed to our unique understanding of and dedication to community and our united profession of faith in Jesus Christ. What results is an expectation that each of us desires to know God better and live for Him. We boldly encourage one another in the faith as we share life together in residence halls, in the classroom, in chapel, or on the field or court.

Join the Team

If you are a student-athlete who strives for excellence in all areas of life, our coaches want to meet you. We also invite you to contact your Admissions Counselor with questions about the admissions process, life at Taylor or the difference of a Taylor education.

Interested in joining Trojan Athletics? Fill out a Recruit Form.

Athletic Clubs

Students who love sports can participating in plenty of athletic clubs or intramural sports. Like the intercollegiate teams, these opportunities allow our students to be good stewards of their bodies, extending healthy competition for all athletic skill levels. Students participate in athletic programs not only to have fun, but to build relationships with their teammates and live their faith out on the field.

Taylor has a variety of club teams that are composed of students dedicated to their sport. The competition levels and time commitments are as varied as the clubs themselves.

• Equestrian Team
  Open to men and women, the Equestrian team is for riders of all levels who share a passion for horses and strive to glorify God through their riding. Read more about Equestrian team requirements and show schedules.
• Rugby Team
  The Men’s Rugby Club is part of the Indiana Rugby Union and requires a commitment on and off the field for membership. The team plays in the Northern Division of the IRU and took second place in its division in 2017. Read more about how you can get involved in Taylor’s rugby team.
• Cheerleading Squad
  The Taylor University Cheerleading Squad enthusiastically supports Taylor's athletic teams and boosts fan morale. The squad—made up of male and female cheerleaders—cheers at home football and basketball games. Read more about Taylor’s Cheerleading Squad.
• Poms Dance Team
  The Poms Dance Team believes in the impact of dance and choreography used as a form of worship and promotion of school spirit. The team performs dances at athletic events and Taylor dance competitions. If you already have basic dance skills, the Poms team would love for you to audition. Read more about the Taylor Poms team.
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an international organization that presents coaches and athletes the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. At Taylor, student leaders host icebreaker games, a message, small groups, snacks, and prayer at every 1-hour meeting, opening the club to both collegiate and recreational athletes. Last year events included multiple bonfire and s’mores nights, meetings with high school FCA groups, worship nights, guest speakers, and glow-in-the-dark capture the flag. Contact Christian Allen for more information.

Intramural Sports

If you are looking for a casual athletic setting, check out our intramural programs. Our intramurals provide recreational, competitive, social, and stress-reducing activity to promote the importance of overall wellness and strengthen relationships among the Taylor University community through common interests.

Throughout campus, intramural participation is high. Nearly half the student body participate in intramurals at some point during their time at Taylor; many participate in several sports. Current Taylor students, as well as faculty, staff, and their spouses, are eligible to compete in league-style sports like flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and dodgeball.

Intramurals also offer great opportunities for leadership and growth. Student captains can form teams to compete against teams from other floors, wings, halls, and majors around campus. Faculty, staff, and off-campus teams are also common and encouraged.

Current academic year intercollegiate athletes may not participate in their respective sport or related sport (i.e., Taylor baseball team players are ineligible for intramural softball), although they may participate in unrelated sports as cleared by coaching staff.

Intramurals offer something for everyone:

For more information on intramurals, contact Steve Austin, Student Development, at staustin@taylor.edu or 765-998-5305.