Athletics

F&M sponsors 28 varsity sports, which is the largest offering among Centennial Conference colleges and universities. Approximately 40% of our students are Division III athletes (or in the case of wrestling and women's squash, Division I). We also offer intramural sports and numerous club sports.



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.

Student Spotlight

James Conway ’26 Wins Cliff Keen Las Vegas Title

James Conway ’26 won the 2025 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational (CKLV) with two more nationally-ranked wins, besting two opponents who entered the tournament higher in the national rankings.

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.

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Alumni Spotlight

F&M Football Achieves First-Ever Tournament Bid

The Diplomats took on Johns Hopkins in the Centennial Conference Championship, earning the first ever invitation to the NCAA tournament in football. The victory followed a monumental season that saw the F&M football team ranked in the national top 25 and included a seven-game winning streak.

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Ken Mehlman ’88 Makes Historic $7.5 Million Gift to Power F&M Athletics and Wellness

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.

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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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#godips

November 18, 2025

Diplomats’ Women’s Golf Team Partners With Lancaster Country Club

Franklin & Marshall College and the Lancaster Country Club have entered into an agreement that will allow the Diplomats’ Women’s Golf Team to practice and host multiple Centennial Conference tournaments throughout the season.

November 6, 2025

Ken Mehlman ’88 Makes Historic $7.5 Million Gift to Power F&M Athletics and Wellness

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.

October 23, 2025

A Custom Blueprint for an Architectural Future

Alex Scarboro ’26 is following his own blueprint for a career in architecture. The senior designed a custom major in studio art and business, organizations, and society. “My decision to combine the two disciplines was rooted in my innate love for architecture and art,” Scarboro said.