Aside from academic and military training, what sorts of activities or extracurriculars does the Naval Academy offer? Are there clubs or sports that cadets can participate in during their time there?
Certainly! The United States Naval Academy offers an extensive range of extracurriculars that supplement the rigorous academic and military training Midshipmen undergo.
Let's start with athletics, one of the most emphasized aspects of life at the Academy. The school fields teams in 36 varsity sports, competing in the Division I level of the NCAA, primarily in the Patriot League. This includes sports like football, basketball, track and field, lacrosse, and even more niche sports such as sprint football and rowing.
For those who may prefer to compete but not at the varsity level, the Naval Academy also offers a vibrant intramural (IM) sports program. Through this program, Midshipmen can participate in a wide variety of sports including but not limited to soccer, ultimate frisbee, boxing, and volleyball.
Beyond sports, there are over 70 academic, professional, and special interest clubs Midshipmen can join. This includes groups related to academic subjects (like the Chemistry Club or Math Club), professional development (like the Cyber Security Team or The Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference), and special interests (like the Mountaineering Club). There are also numerous music and theater groups, such as the Drum & Bugle Corps and the Masqueraders, the latter of which produces a major dramatic production each year.
Lastly, there's the Naval Academy's emphasis on service and leadership. All midshipmen participate in some form of professional training during their summers, which can range from sailing aboard naval ships to leadership training exercises. In addition, there are ample opportunities to get involved in community service and leadership roles within the Brigade of Midshipmen, such as becoming a class officer or leading one of the Academy's many clubs or organizations.
Overall, there’s an extensive range of activities and extracurriculars to suit nearly every interest at the Naval Academy!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.