Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Growth Among NCAA Hispanic/Latino Student-Athletes
From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic/Latino student-athletes within the NCAA. This observance highlights a significant trend, as their representation in collegiate sports continues to grow, demonstrating a remarkable increase of 62% in participation over the past decade.
Participation Growth Statistics
As of the 2024-25 academic year, the NCAA reported a total of 38,654 Hispanic/Latino student-athletes, representing 7% of the overall student-athlete population. This marks an increase of 1,700 athletes (or 4.6%) from the preceding year. Over the last ten years, numbers have surged by 14,792 athletes.
Distribution Across Divisions
- Division I: 11,758 (5.8% of Division I, 30.4% of all Hispanic/Latino student-athletes)
- Division II: 10,984 (7.8%; 28.4%)
- Division III: 15,912 (7.1%; 41.2%)
Popular Sports Among Hispanic/Latino Student-Athletes
Top Men’s Sports
- Soccer: 4,680
- Football: 3,963
- Baseball: 3,488
- Outdoor Track and Field: 2,393
- Indoor Track and Field: 2,036
Top Women’s Sports
- Soccer: 2,927
- Softball: 2,154
- Outdoor Track and Field: 2,108
- Indoor Track and Field: 1,842
- Volleyball: 1,330
Percentage of Participation by Sport
Men’s Sports with Highest Percentages
- Soccer: 16.5%
- Volleyball: 11.6%
- Wrestling: 9.9%
- Water Polo: 9.6%
- Tennis: 8.6%
Women’s Sports with Highest Percentages
- Wrestling: 18.8%
- Water Polo: 13.9%
- Softball: 9.9%
- Soccer: 9.5%
- Tennis: 8.1%
Recent Growth Trends
One-Year Growth Highlights (2024-25 vs. 2023-24)
Men’s Sports:
- Ice Hockey: 16.1% growth (percentage)
- Golf: 13.7% growth
- Water Polo: 12.4% growth
Women’s Sports:
- Wrestling: 48.3% growth in participation
- Acrobatics and Tumbling: 19.5% growth
- Field Hockey: 17.5%
Five-Year and Ten-Year Growth Patterns
Men’s Sports (Five-Year):
- Golf: 45.9% increase
- Indoor Track and Field: 44.7% increase
- Ice Hockey: 41.2% increase
Women’s Sports (Five-Year):
- Gymnastics: 85.5% increase
- Field Hockey: 62.4% increase
- Beach Volleyball: 42.1% increase
Academic Success Rates
Hispanic/Latino student-athletes continue to perform well academically, as demonstrated by an impressive Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 89% in Division I. This represents a significant improvement of 25 percentage points since GSR data initiation in 2002 and a 7 percentage point increase since 2014.
Conclusion
The ongoing growth and success of Hispanic/Latino student-athletes within the NCAA not only highlight their contributions to sports but also their academic achievements. This Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder of their impactful presence across collegiate athletics and the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusion in sports.
