What Are NCAA Emerging Sports?
NCAA Emerging Sports are athletic programs identified by the NCAA as having the potential to grow into fully recognized championship sports. These programs are designed to create new opportunities for female student-athletes and promote gender equity in collegiate athletics under Title IX. By supporting sports that show promise for widespread participation, the NCAA encourages colleges to invest in and expand these programs. Some examples of current emerging sports for women include acrobatics and tumbling, women’s wrestling, triathlon, rugby, and stunt. Each sport has its unique appeal, offering athletes a chance to compete at the collegiate level while fostering growth for the sport itself.
The NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program is achieving tangible results. According to the NCAA, the program has led to a steady increase in opportunities for women, with schools adding more teams each year. Some sports, like acrobatics and tumbling, rugby, and stunt, are trending toward full championship status as they near the NCAA’s required thresholds for sponsorship. With participation numbers growing, these sports provide student-athletes with scholarship opportunities, a competitive collegiate environment, and the chance to shape the future of their sport.
For counselors working with student-athletes, the growing presence of emerging sports raises an important question: How can they guide families exploring these opportunities? The first step is to educate families about what emerging sports are and the advantages they offer. Many parents and students may not realize that these programs are often smaller, offering a more personalized recruiting experience. Counselors can also help students evaluate whether an emerging sport aligns with their athletic strengths, interests, and academic goals. This involves researching which schools sponsor these programs and understanding the level of support each institution provides.
Additionally, counselors should stay informed about the unique recruiting timelines and requirements for these sports. Unlike traditional sports, emerging sports may have less formalized recruiting pathways, making it critical to connect with college coaches and club programs early in the process. Counselors can empower families to ask key questions, such as whether scholarships are available or how the program plans to grow toward championship status. By fostering these conversations, counselors can ensure that students make informed decisions about their athletic and academic futures.
The NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program represents a vital step forward in expanding opportunities for female student-athletes. Counselors who understand this evolving landscape can play a crucial role in guiding families, helping them explore new possibilities, and ultimately contributing to the growth of collegiate athletics.
