NCAA Dives Into Native American Sports Participation

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (November 18, 2025) – November is Native American Heritage Month and the NCAA shared data on the contributions of Native American student-athletes and their significant impact on college sports.

These student-athletes not only excel in their respective sports but also represent a growing segment of the NCAA community, with a remarkable 35% increase in participation over the past decade, according to the NCAA.

Growth in Participation: In 2024-25, there were 2,364 Native American student-athletes across all NCAA divisions, a 35% increase (610 athletes) from 2014-15. This more than doubles the overall NCAA student-athlete growth of 17% during the same period. 

1. Divisional breakdown of Native American student-athletes in 2024-25: 
   • Division I: 686
   • Division II: 916
   • Division III: 762
2. Men’s sports with the most Native American student-athletes in 2024-25:
   • Football: 417
   • Baseball: 168
   • Outdoor track and field: 161
3. Women’s sports with the most Native American student-athletes in 2024-25: 
   • Softball: 144
   • Outdoor track and field: 124
   • Indoor track and field: 114
4. Men’s sports with the highest percentage of Native American student-athletes in 2024-25:
   • Wrestling: 0.62% (55 student-athletes)
   • Lacrosse: 0.53% (89)
   • Cross country: 0.50% (77)
   • Football: 0.50% (417)
5. Women’s sports with the highest percentage of Native American student-athletes in 2024-25:
   • Ice hockey: 0.78% (24 student-athletes)
   • Basketball: 0.67% (112)
   • Wrestling: 0.67% (11)

Data note: All data referring to Native American student-athletes includes American Indian/Alaska Native student-athletes, per NCAA demographics research reported by each NCAA school.