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Navy Midshipmen facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Navy Midshipmen are the sports teams that play for the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The academy has 33 main sports teams and 12 club teams.

Both the men's and women's teams are called Navy Midshipmen or "Mids." They compete in NCAA Division I, which is the highest level of college sports in the United States.

What are the Navy Midshipmen?

The Navy Midshipmen are the official sports teams of the United States Naval Academy. This academy trains future officers for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Sports are a big part of life for the students, who are called "midshipmen."

The academy believes that playing sports helps midshipmen learn important skills. These skills include teamwork, leadership, and discipline. These qualities are very useful for their future careers in the military.

Competing in College Sports

The Navy Midshipmen compete in NCAA Division I. The NCAA stands for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It is the main organization that oversees college sports in the U.S. Division I is the most competitive level.

Navy teams play against other large universities from all over the country. They are part of the Patriot League for most of their sports. However, their football team plays in the American Athletic Conference.

Famous Rivalries

One of the most well-known rivalries in college sports is between Navy and Army. The Army Black Knights are the teams from the United States Military Academy (West Point). The annual Army–Navy Game in football is a very special event. It is often played in December and is watched by many people.

This game is more than just a football match. It is a tradition that celebrates the spirit and dedication of both academies. It shows the friendly competition between future leaders of the U.S. military.

Sports at the Academy

The Naval Academy offers a wide range of sports. These include popular ones like football, basketball, and baseball. They also have unique sports like lacrosse, wrestling, and rowing. Both men and women participate in many different athletic programs.

Being a student-athlete at the Naval Academy is very demanding. Midshipmen must balance their tough academic studies with military training and sports practices. This prepares them for the challenges they will face after graduation.

Images for kids

  • Baseball pitch release

    US Naval Academy baseball player

  • Navy-Bucknell lacrosse

    Navy playing Bucknell in the 2006 First 4.

  • Basketball game

    Navy Midshipman George O’Garro attempts to score during the Army–Navy basketball game in Alumni Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy on January 31, 2004.

  • 2005 Army Navy Game Winners

    Navy celebrates winning the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy after winning the 2005 Army–Navy Game on December 3, 2005.

  • 2005 USNA UMD line

    A snap during the 2005 Navy-Maryland game.

  • United States Naval Academy Varsity Wrestling-3386

    Navy and Penn State wrestlers in 1949.

  • Stefanie Pemper Head Coach navy women's basketball team cropped

    Stefanie Pemper, head coach of the Navy women's basketball team from 2008 to 2020, taken at the 2013 WBCA Convention in New Orleans.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Navy Midshipmen para niños

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