NCAA Sees Growing Participation From Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Student-Athletes

May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich diversity and impact of AANHPI individuals across college sports. 

From record growth in student-athlete participation to increased leadership representation, here's a look at the influence of AANHPI communities in NCAA sports — by the numbers. 

1) A growing presence in college sports

• 13,739 — Total AANHPI student-athletes competing across all NCAA divisions in 2023-24.
• 4% — Year-over-year increase from 2022-23 (484 student-athletes).
• 54% — Growth over the past decade (4,846 student-athletes).

2) Top sports for AANHPI student-athletes

The top five sports, by total number of AANHPI student-athletes in 2023-24, are the following:

Men 

1. Football — 1,302.
2. Outdoor track and field — 785.
3. Soccer — 706.
4. Indoor track and field — 678.
5. Baseball — 647. 

Women 

1. Soccer — 690.
2. Tennis — 641.
3. Swimming and diving — 636.
4. Outdoor track and field — 624.
5. Indoor track and field — 579. 

While football and women's soccer account for the highest number of AANHPI student-athletes, respectively, other sports stand out by the percentage of AANHPI student-athletes. Below are the top five sports for men and women by that metric. 

Men

1. Fencing — 23%.
2. Gymnastics — 11%.
3. Tennis — 9%.
4. Rifle — 7%.
5. Swimming and diving — 6%. 

Women 

1. Fencing — 30%.
2. Golf — 10%.
3. Tennis — 8%.
4. Rugby — 8%.
5. Gymnastics — 8%. 

3) Sport growth in the AANHPI community 

Recent data shows that AANHPI representation is expanding across a wide range of sports, with significant gains in both total participants and percentage growth.

Highest percentage growth in the past 10 years (minimum 100 student-athletes)

Men: 

• Volleyball — 122%.
• Lacrosse — 110%.
• Soccer — 93%.
• Indoor track and field — 91%.
• Baseball — 78%. 

Women: 

• Lacrosse — 95%.
• Fencing — 87%.
• Golf — 82%.
• Gymnastics — 78%.
• Field hockey — 73%. 

Largest numerical growth in the past 10 years 

Men: 

• Football — 388.
• Soccer — 340.
• Indoor track and field — 323.
• Outdoor track and field — 315.
• Baseball — 284. 

Women: 

• Golf — 258.
• Swimming and diving — 222.
• Soccer — 215.
• Indoor track and field — 201.
• Outdoor track and field — 181.

4) Leadership trends

AANHPI representation is growing in leadership roles, too.

• 49% — Increase in AANHPI head coaches across all NCAA divisions compared with a decade ago, going from 202 in 2014 to 301 in 2024. Division III accounted for 123 of the AANHPI head coaches in 2024.
• 53% — Increase in AANHPI presidents/chancellors since 2017, when data on presidents/chancellors was first collected by the NCAA. The total number increased from 19 to 29. 

5) Academic excellence

Graduation data highlights how AANHPI student-athletes have increasingly succeeded in the classroom as well.

• Since 2002, Division I graduation rates for AANHPI student-athletes have increased from 72% to 93%. In Division I, AANHPI women student-athletes increased their graduation rates from 79% to 97% during that time, with AANHPI men going from 65% to 88%. 

(This summary includes the latest data on Asian American and Pacific Islander student-athletes and leadership in the NCAA for the 2023-24 academic year. The figures reflect individuals categorized as "Asian" and "Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander" in the NCAA Demographics Database.)