Mercer Athletics

The Only Private Institution in Georgia Competing in Division I Athletics

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At Mercer, our Bears are true student-athletes. Not only do they compete, they compete well — both on the fields and courts and in the classroom.

The mission of the Mercer University Athletic Department is to develop well-rounded student-athletes academically, athletically and socially. The program is committed to integrity, sportsmanship and equal opportunity for all students and staff.

Two Mercer football players wearing orange jersey chest bump in the air in the end zone of a football field. The score board in the back says,

History

Mercer University is an NCAA Division I institution and competes in the Southern Conference. Mercer first fielded an athletic team in January 1892 when its football team played the University of Georgia in Athens. It was the first college football game played in the state and one of the first in the Southeast. Mercer, in the fall of that year, would defeat Georgia Tech in its first football game ever.

Mercer Athletic Teams

Men's and Women's Sports

Learn Moreabout Men's and Women's Sports
A baseball catcher

Mercer Athletic Foundation

Established in 2008, the Mercer Athletic Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Mercer University Athletic Department. Its mission is to raise funds to help increase athletic scholarships, upgrade facilities and recruit and retain top-level coaches.

Learn Moreabout Mercer Athletic Foundation

Academics

Mercer athletes are true student-athletes with emphasis placed equally on performance in the classroom as well as on the playing field or court.

In 2023-24:

  • Mercer had 256 student-athletes on the Southern Conference’s honor roll.
  • The Bears had 78 student-athletes earn Commissioner’s Medals for having at least a 3.80 GPA for the academic year.
  • There were 29 Mercer student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA for the academic year.

The Southern Conference is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models. Member schools, in addition to Mercer University, include: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University and Wofford College.

Facilities

  • The University Center at Mercer is the heart of Mercer athletics and student life. Known to Mercerians as the UC, it is one of the premier playing arenas and fitness facilities in the conference. The UC provides a welcoming and accommodating space for athletes, the press and fans and is one of the most sought-after event venues in Central Georgia. It houses the Mercer Athletic Department
  • Betts Stadium, home of men’s and women’s soccer
  • OrthoGeorgia Park Claude Smith Field, home of the baseball team
  • Five Star Stadium, home of football and men’s and women’s lacrosse
  • Hawkins Arena, home of men’s and women’s basketball teams and volleyball
  • Leroy Peddy Tennis Center, home of men’s and women’s tennis
  • Bear Beach Volleyball Complex, home of beach volleyball
  • Sikes Field, home of the softball team

Hall of Fame

The Mercer Athletic Hall of Fame now consists of 183 members. These men and women made invaluable contributions to the University either participating as a student-athlete, coach or some other athletic-related capacity. View the members of this prestigious group.

Heritage Hall

Several exquisite cases display the history of Mercer Athletics in the foyer of the UC’s main entrance, just outside the arena. In addition to cases depicting historic moments in Mercer sports history, others are dedicated to recognizing other University achievements.