Harvard Athletics Mission Statement

The Harvard Department of Athletics is committed to providing "Athletics for All Students." Competitive and recreational athletics are an integral part of the educational process and experience. Students should have opportunities to participate and compete as appropriate to their interest and skills.

Harvard values the lessons that have long been taught by athletic participation: the pursuit of excellence through personal development and teamwork; ethical and responsible behavior on the field and off; adherence to the spirit of rules as well as to their letter; leadership and strength of character; and sportsmanship -- including respect for one's opponents, acceptance of victory with humility, acknowledgment of defeat with grace, and respect for the value of cross-cultural understanding and acceptance. In teaching these lessons to its students, Harvard instills habits that will lead students to better and healthier lives. While winning is not an end in itself, we believe that the efforts by our intercollegiate teams to be their best will lead them to succeed.

Athletic participation is a way for students to grow and learn and enjoy themselves and to use and develop their personal, physical and intellectual skills. The entire Department, including coaches, medical and training staff, facilities and equipment personnel, and administrators, works to achieve these goals, honors the values of the College, and supports the principles of the Ivy League and the NCAA.