The term HBCU refers to historically black colleges and universities, which have a rich and vibrant history in American higher education. Many of these institutions have established themselves as leaders in academic programs, research, and community service. However, these schools are also known for another point: their athletics programs.
When it comes to sports, HBCUs may not have the same popularity as NCAA Division I programs. Still, they have a long-standing tradition of producing talented athletes and successful sports programs. Here are some of the best HBCU athletic departments in the United States.
1. Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University, located in Tallahassee, Florida, has a powerhouse athletic department. Its football program, which competes in the NCAA Division I FCS, has won multiple conference championships. It boasts such alumni as Ken Riley and Bob Hayes, who both went on to have successful careers in the NFL.
The university’s basketball program has also been successful, with the men’s team winning four MEAC championships. The women’s team has also won three MEAC championships and has appeared in the NCAA tournament twice. Florida A&M offers many other NCAA-sponsored sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field.
2. Hampton University
Hampton University, located in Hampton, Virginia, is another HBCU with a top-tier athletic department. The school’s football program has won four conference championships in the past decade alone. Additionally, Hampton offers many other competitive NCAA-sponsored sports, such as basketball, track and field, and women’s soccer.
The university’s women’s basketball program deserves particular attention. The Lady Pirates have won six conference championships and have made it to the NCAA tournament twice. In 2018, they made it to the second round of the WNIT, beating Radford University.
3. Howard University
Howard University, located in Washington, D.C., has produced many famous alumni, including Kamala Harris, Toni Morrison, and Thurgood Marshall. But the school also has a strong athletics program, especially in soccer and golf.
In 2018, the men’s soccer team made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament, while the women’s team has won seven conference championships. Similarly, the men’s golf team has won two MEAC championships, and the women’s team has won one. Howard also offers many other NCAA-sponsored sports, including basketball, track and field, and volleyball.
4. North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, has a particularly strong football program. The Aggies have won four straight MEAC championships and two Celebration Bowls in the past five years. The school has also produced several successful NFL players, including Tarik Cohen and Brandon Parker.
In addition, North Carolina A&T has other successful athletics programs. The men’s basketball team has won four conference championships, and the women’s team has won three. The school also offers many other NCAA-sponsored sports, such as softball, baseball, and golf.
5. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University, located in Prairie View, Texas, is another HBCU with a strong athletics program. The school’s football program, which competes in the NCAA Division I FCS, has won multiple SWAC championships. Additionally, the women’s basketball program has won several SWAC championships and has made it to the NCAA tournament twice.
Prairie View A&M also offers many other NCAA-sponsored sports, such as softball, tennis, and track and field. The women’s track and field team, in particular, has won multiple SWAC championships and has produced several successful Olympic athletes.
Conclusion
Historically black colleges and universities have a lengthy and distinguished history in American higher education. They are also significant contributors to the sports world, producing some of the best athletes and athletic programs in the country. The colleges and universities mentioned above are just a few examples of the many HBCUs with outstanding athletics programs. These institutions are proof of the enduring legacy of black excellence in academia, sport, and beyond.
