History of Cleary Athletics
Cleary University has participated in intercollegiate athletics almost from its founding in 1883. Cleary had a football team from the 1890s to 1900s. Through the years, Cleary had a baseball team (1930s) and a basketball team (1950s and 60s).
Cleary University reintroduced collegiate athletics in 2011 with the formation of men's and women's cross country and golf teams. The University added men's and women's soccer teams in 2013 and further expanded with baseball and softball teams in 2015.
The following year, the Cougars added men's and women's lacrosse to their athletic portfolio with competitive dance, a co-ed sport, participating in their first competition the following year in 2017.
In 2018, the university sponsored both men's and women's bowling with men's ice hockey and wrestling beginning their first competitive seasons in the fall of 2019.
In total, Cleary University will sponsor 20 varsity athletic programs in 2026.
Cleary University joined the United States Collegiate Athletic Association in 2012 and officially joined the NAIA in the fall of 2018 as a member of the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference.
TEAM NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
| Sport | Year | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Soccer | 2018 | USCAA |
| Softball | 2018 | USCAA |
| Women's Cross Country | 2017 | USCAA |
| Women's Cross Country | 2016 | USCAA |
| Men's Golf | 2015 | USCAA |
TEAM NATIONAL RUNNERS-UP
| Sport | Year | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Softball | 2019 | USCAA |
| Men's Golf | 2017 | USCAA |
| Softball | 2017 | USCAA |
| Women's Cross Country | 2015 | USCAA |
| Women's Golf | 2015 | USCAA |
Softball 2018 National Championship Team
Softball 2019 National Runner-Up Team
Men's Golf 2017 National Runner-Up Team
Men's Golf 2015 National Championship Team
