For more than eight decades, RIT's intercollegiate athletics program has been a source of pride for the RIT campus and the community of Rochester. With 24 sports and more than 500 student athletes, the program offers an array of competitive opportunities for men and women. Approximately 10 percent of the participants are hearing impaired students from RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

A member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Empire 8, Eastern College Athletic Association and New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association, RIT has consistently competed for conference, regional and national honors. In addition, numerous teams have participated in national championships, including men's hockey, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, basketball, swimming, tennis, track, wrestling, and women's volleyball, track and swimming.

RIT boasts more than 250 All-Americans, including seven national champions. The Athletic Association has played a key role in their success by helping support the special needs of the athletic programs.