The athletic venue is a virtual classroom. In many ways, participation in a team sport is a practicum in cooperation, self-control, poise, commitment, respect for authority, and selfless devotion to goals beyond individual success. Spalding seeks to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of his or her educational experience. Spalding’s program values cultural diversity and gender equity among student-athletes and the athletic staff. Through an array of competitive opportunities for both men and women, Spalding develops student-athlete leaders through spirited competition, fair play, preparation, teamwork, dedication, and self-sacrifice. The Golden Eagles women’s sports include basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, cross-country, and golf. The Golden Eagles men’s sports include basketball, soccer, baseball, cross-country, and golf.
For more information on participating in the Golden Eagles athletics program, please contact the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, (502) 585-7163, or visit www.spaldingathletics.com.
Facilities
Spalding University home sporting events occur on Spalding’s campus as well as modern athletic fields in Louisville area. The Golden Eagles partner with the city’s premier sports facilities for team practices and to host games. Basketball and volleyball contests are played in Derek Smith Gymnasium in the Spalding University Center Building, 824 S. 4th St. Baseball games are played at Derby City Field, near Poplar Level Road and Taylor Avenue. Soccer matches are played at the Louisville Collegiate School Athletic Complex, close to Newburg Road. Golf matches are played at Glenmary Golf Club, located near Bardstown Road. Cross Country meets take place at Tom Sawyer State Park. Softball home games are played at Okolona Sports Complex, adjacent to Southern High School.
Affiliations
Spalding University is a provisional member at the NCAA Division-III. Member institutions of Division-III place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the students’ successful completion of their academic programs. Spalding is also a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), through which Spalding is eligible to participate in the USCAA-sponsored national championships and All-American and Scholar-Athlete recognitions.
Compliance
Spalding University strictly adheres to NCAA Division-III guidelines. In order for new students to compete in intercollegiate athletics at Spalding University, an incoming freshman or transfer student must meet the necessary standards to be admitted into the university. Unlike NCAA Divisions I and II, it is not necessary to file with the NCAA Clearinghouse to gain initial eligibility.
Spalding student-athletes must remain in good academic standing to be eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics. The following minimum standards must be met in order for a student to meet eligibility requirements for athletic participation:
After 1 semester or 12 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 1.70 or above
After 2 semesters or 24 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 1.80 or above
After 3 semesters or 36 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 1.90 or above
After 4 semesters or 48 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 2.00 or above
After the fourth semester of attendance, a student-athlete must maintain a GPA of 2.00 or higher to remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Any student whose cumulative GPA drops below the above standards will be placed on probation. Students on probation are not eligible to compete in NCAA Division III athletics. In addition, students must earn a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year to be eligible to compete the following year. They may earn up to 6 hours in the summer session to count toward that total. Any student who fails to pass 24 credit hours in an academic year will not be eligible to participate in athletics during the following academic year.
All student-athletes are required to attend the NCAA Compliance Meeting at the beginning of each school year and to fill out all of the necessary forms. Each student is required to have a physical examination by a physician prior to participation in a sport. Spalding University’s athletic training staff provides the opportunity for free physical examinations to anyone wishing to participate, but students may opt to use their personal physicians for physical exams if they so desire. Each student must submit proof of primary health insurance prior to being allowed to practice or play a sport. If a student has no health insurance, they can purchase a student policy through the University at a reasonable cost. Spalding University also carries an additional insurance policy on all of our athletes to pay costs that the primary provider does not cover.
Spalding athletes are expected to adhere to all NCAA, University, and team rules and regulations. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and dismissal.
Any questions regarding NCAA rules and regulations may be directed to Spalding University Director of Compliance, Charlie Just. He can be reached by phone, (502) 585-9911 Ext. 2778, or by email, cjust@spalding.edu.