Athletics
Go Diplomats!
F&M is among an elite group of liberal arts colleges that maintain exceptional academic
standards while also competing in athletics at a highly successful level. The College’s
primary membership affiliation is in the Division III Centennial Conference. The Diplomats
also compete at the NCAA Division I level in wrestling and women's squash, and sponsor
both men’s and women’s rowing and men's squash at the varsity level.
Our historic mission of educational excellence and deep commitment to the holistic
development of our students gives us a distinct perspective on intercollegiate athletics.
At F&M, we embrace the educational value of competitive sports and structure our athletic
programs to maximize student learning and development. We view our coaches as educators
first, and are committed to providing the resources to help them be the best teachers,
mentors, and leaders they can be for our students. At F&M, the athletic experience
is a meaningful framework to help students succeed in all aspects of life, at college
and beyond.
A new $7.5 million gift from Ken Mehlman ’88, Franklin & Marshall College Trustee
and Board Vice Chair, is the College’s largest gift in support of athletics and wellness.
It will be used to begin construction of the Mehlman Center for Strength, Conditioning,
Wellness and Performance, an innovative new facility that will be home to strength
training, fitness and performance-centered growth.Student Spotlight
James Conway ’26 Wins Cliff Keen Las Vegas Title
Conway, a biochemistry & molecular biology major, is also the first F&M student to
earn the NCAA Elite 90 Award in any sport. The Elite 90 award is presented to the
student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average who has reached the
national championship level in their sport.
Read More »Team Spotlight
F&M Football Achieves First-Ever Tournament Bid
Read More »Ken Mehlman ’88 Makes Historic $7.5 Million Gift to Power F&M Athletics and Wellness
#godips
September 28, 2026 For Michael “Mike” Arnold ’08, the track where he competed as a Franklin & Marshall student-athlete reflects the transformative power of Division III athletics programs at scholar-focused institutions — and the kind of lasting impact he hopes to create for future generations of student-athletes. September 8, 2026 Molly DeBrandt ’28 transformed academic curiosity into career conviction. As an intern with the Office of the Public Defender of Lancaster County, she stepped directly into the daily realities of public defense and discovered a passion for law. “I now intend to apply to law school following my graduation from F&M,” she said. September 5, 2026 Emeritus Trustee and Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Shadek ’72 and his wife, Pat, have made a $5 million gift to support the construction of Shadek Varsity House at the College’s Shadek Stadium.Alum’s $1 Million Gift to Construct The Arnold Family Track
Lancaster Internship Shapes Pre-Law Path
Larry and Pat Shadek Give $5 Million to Build New Varsity House
Fitness & Recreation
Engaging in regular physical activity gives you a chance to make new friends, find joy and self-expression, or relax and clear your mind — and is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. Through our club and intramural sports, recreation facilities, fitness classes and more, you can find activities to work up a healthy sweat while learning lessons in leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
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