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 cross country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and tennis; softball and women's volleyball; and baseball. Opportunities for athletics participation also exist through the vast offerings of the college's intramural programs. Volleyball, sand volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football, softball and various other activities are available at the intramural level.
SCAD was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics from 1987-92 before transitioning to a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 1992-2003. The Bees sent 20 teams to NCAA postseason competition between 1996 and 2003, and during the 2001-2002 season, every SCAD athletics team logged a winning record.
Before the start of the 2003-04 season, SCAD renewed its membership with the NAIA and competes in The Sun Conference (formerly the Florida Sun Conference).
Each year SCAD student-artist-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. SCAD also finished in 18th place in the final 2008-09 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup NAIA standings, which is based on each team's overall finish.
The athletics department coaches, administration and staff are committed to providing all student-artist-athletes with an outstanding collegiate athletics experience. To that end, the student-artist-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.