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As temperatures drop and the Yard glistens under frosty skies, there’s plenty of heat at the U.S. Naval Academy as Navy winter sports fire up the crowds. From the high-energy excitement of midshipmen basketball to the speed and endurance of swimming and track and field, this is the time of year when the Academy’s athletes show their strength, grit, and team spirit.
Winter Sports Competitions, Navy Style
So grab your Naval Academy sportswear, bundle up in blue and gold, and get ready to cheer on the mids. Whether you’re an alum, a sponsor family, or just a Navy fan at heart, you’re always welcomed to the winter sports competitions!
The mids train hard year-round, but there’s something extra special about the winter months. The arenas echo with chants of “Go Navy, Beat Army!” as athletes from every corner of the Yard give their all in winter sports competitions that test speed, endurance, and teamwork. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the sports you won’t want to miss this season.
Midshipmen Basketball: Fast-Paced and Fierce
If you love high-energy games and big crowd moments, Midshipmen basketball is the perfect winter thrill. Both the men’s and women’s teams bring unmatched determination and school pride to the court. The Mids play their home games at Alumni Hall, a venue that’s as electric as it is historic.
Every pass, every shot, and every buzzer-beater carries that unmistakable Navy intensity. The student section, filled with midshipmen in uniform, sets the tone, and when the Brigade is cheering, you can feel it reverberate throughout the building.
Keep an eye out for the home Army-Navy basketball game (on January 24th at 11:00 a.m. for the women and 1:30 p.m. for the men this year). The women’s team is building momentum after recently clocking an SEC win for the first time since 1998, when they beat the undefeated University of Florida 69-54. Win or lose, the sportsmanship and spirit on display are what make these matchups unforgettable.
Swimming and Diving: Making Waves
When it comes to precision and endurance, few teams shine like Navy Swimming and Diving. The Mids glide through the water with the kind of discipline and grace that’s become a Navy hallmark. Both the men’s and women’s teams are consistently among the top Patriot League performers, breaking records and setting high standards for collegiate swimmers nationwide. In February of last year, the women won their League Swimming Championship for the 13th straight year (and clinched their league-record 23rd title). Navy Men’s Swimming and Diving fell to second place by just 16.5 points, ending their amazing 20-consecutive title run. These numbers are even more notable since the women have won more than any other sports team in the Patriot League and the men’s 20-title run was the longest in any sport!
Both teams take on Army at home on Saturday, December 6th at noon. The Navy’s Lejeune Hall transforms into a powerhouse of energy during meets - flags waving, fans cheering, and teammates urging each other toward the finish. If you’re looking for a sport that perfectly blends strength, strategy, and grace, swimming and diving will keep you captivated from start to finish.
Indoor Track and Field: Speed and Strength Indoors
Who says you can’t run full tilt in winter? The Navy indoor track and field team proves otherwise. From sprints and hurdles to pole vaults and relays, these athletes turn the Academy’s field house into a showcase of speed, endurance, and focus.
Indoor track meets are some of the most exciting winter sports competitions to watch, especially when the men’s and women’s teams take on Army on Saturday, February 7th at the Army-Navy Star meet, time TBA. The air practically crackles with intensity as athletes race the clock and each other. Both the men’s and women’s teams have earned high accolades in recent indoor and outdoor track seasons and are looking for more wins.
Related: Fall Lineup: What’s on Tap for USNA Sports?
Show Your Navy Spirit
Part of the fun of Navy athletics is being part of the fanbase that never quits. Grab your favorite Naval Academy sportswear, wrap yourself in blue and gold scarves, and join the Brigade in cheering the Mids to victory. Whether you’re courtside, poolside, or following along from afar, your enthusiasm fuels the teams.
If you’re shopping for new gear, the USNA Visitor Center Gift Shop and Navyonline.com have all the essentials to show your pride - hats, sweatshirts, and that signature Go Navy, Beat Army apparel that’s a must-have for winter.
Related: Spring Sports to See at the USNA
Ready, Set, Cheer!
As the winter chill sets in, the action on the Yard is just warming up. With so many exciting winter sports and activities on the calendar, there’s no better time to rally behind the Brigade of Midshipmen. So bundle up, wear your Naval Academy sportswear, and get ready to shout it loud and proud: Go Navy, Beat Army! The winter games are here and you won’t want to miss a single moment.
