The college is committed to the ideal that academic pursuits should be the top priority for all student-athletes. The college competes at the intercollegiate level in men's and women's basketball, cross country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and tennis; women's softball and volleyball; and men's baseball and lacrosse. Fencing and cheerleading are also offered as club sports. Opportunities for athletics participation also exist through the vast offerings of the college's intramural programs. Volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football, softball and various other activities are available at the intramural level.

SCAD was a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 1992-2003. The college was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics from 1987-1992 and renewed membership in the NAIA before the 2003-2004 season. The college now competes in the NAIA Florida Sun Conference. SCAD sent 20 teams to NCAA postseason competition between 1996 and 2003. In 2001-2002, every SCAD team logged a winning record. Each year SCAD student athletes are recognized locally, regionally and nationally for excellence in the classroom as well as in athletics competition. Many SCAD teams have been ranked among the nation's top 25 teams in recent years, including baseball, men's and women's golf, men's basketball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's swimming, women's cross country, volleyball, softball, and men's and women's soccer.

The athletics department coaches, administration, staff are committed to providing all student-athletes with an outstanding collegiate athletics experience. To that end, the student-athlete is encouraged to develop both academic and athletic abilities in an environment where the foremost goal is the successful completion of the college's academic requirements for graduation. The SCAD athletics program and operating principles are consistent with the college's high standards of academic scholarship, leadership, integrity and sportsmanship. Varsity and intramural athletics programs continually strive to develop character, maturity and fair play, as well as athletic excellence, in all student-athletes.