Knox is known for its diverse student body, which includes a significant number of student-athletes. Currently, 34% of enrolled students participate in NCAA Division III athletics, contributing to the dynamic campus culture at Knox.
Knox College offers a wide range of athletic programs, with each sport contributing to the overall number of student-athletes. The football team, as the largest roster sport, constitutes 23% of the athletic population. Other popular sports include baseball (14%), men’s soccer (11%), and women’s soccer (9%). Smaller teams such as men’s track and field (8%), men’s basketball (6%), and women’s basketball, track, softball, and volleyball (5% each) round out the most represented athletic groups.
Interim Athletic Director Adam Hertz explains his views on the reason for the athlete number disparity in sports.
“Larger team sports naturally have a larger percentage of athletes due to the number of roster spots. For instance, football requires a large recruiting class each year, and teams like men’s and women’s cross country are still building up their numbers,” said Hertz.
As recruiting goals are expanded for certain teams, the percentage of athletes from these sports is expected to rise.
Knox also fosters a culture of dual-sport athletes, with 44 students currently competing in more than one sport. This roughly equates to 11.5% of the student body. Many athletes are able to participate in more than one sport due to the difference in seasons. A fall sport athlete will have the opportunity to participate in a winter or spring sport once their season is over.
While student-athletes and non-athletes follow a similar admissions process at Knox, there are some differences tailored to prospective athletes. Both groups participate in an information session and campus tour that highlight academics, student resources, and the overall campus community. However, student-athletes have the added opportunity to meet with coaches, tour athletic facilities, and discuss team culture, training expectations, and the support available to athletes.
“We want our recruits to experience Knox in a way that reflects both the academic environment and the athletic community,” said Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admission Nathan Ament.
Knox also organizes athletics-themed open houses, where prospective student-athletes can attend games and meet with current players, offering a deeper insight into the life of a Knox athlete.
At Knox, the Office of Admissions carefully manages the balance between athletes and non-athletes in the incoming class. Although athletic status is a factor in the recruitment process, admissions decisions are based on a holistic review, which considers academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal interests. The goal is to maintain a diverse campus community where students may have a variety of passions whether it be athletics, theater, or other areas.
“There’s no focus on ensuring a specific athlete-to-non-athlete ratio in the incoming class,” Ament explains. “What matters most is finding students who are the right fit for Knox, both academically and socially, and who will contribute to the rich variety of co-curricular activities we offer.”
The athlete-to-non-athlete ratio at Knox shows an impact on campus culture, but administration believes it has not created division. According to Vice President for Student Development MarQuita Barker, athletics have positively shaped the campus community, fostering school spirit, pride, and unity. Events like sporting games and traditions bring students together, providing opportunities for social interaction and bonding.
“Many non-athletes attend games simply because they want to support their friends who are playing,” Barker says. “This creates an environment where athletic and non-athletic students can share experiences and participate in school traditions together.”
The athlete-to-non-athlete ratio is reflected not only in the student body but also within the Admissions office. Of the 25 student workers employed by the office, eight are varsity athletes, aligning closely with the overall 34% athlete population at Knox. This provides prospective students with an authentic perspective on campus life, as these student workers often share their experiences of balancing academics with athletics.
