The University of Kentucky has a rich tradition of excellence in collegiate athletics, both in the teams it fields and in the student-athletes that participate. The Athletics Department sponsors 22 varsity sports that compete at the Division I level in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The UK Athletics Department is a self-supporting, fully-funded athletics department that provides to its student-athletes in each sport the maximum amount of financial aid allowed by NCAA rules. The Wildcats also are a charter member of the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). Only men’s soccer (Conference USA) and UK’s lone co-ed sport – rifle (Great American Rifle Conference) compete outside the SEC.The Athletics Department is dedicated to running a first-class program with integrity while keeping the focus on the student-athlete. Its overall vision is to educate student-athletes through graduation and compete for championships in all sports within a framework of fiscal integrity, a commitment to diversity in all areas, and compliance with University, state, Southeastern Conference, and National Collegiate Athletic Association rules. As an integral part of its long t...erm vision, Athletics continues to expand resources and the tremendous progress already shown toward broad-based excellence. The intercollegiate athletics program promotes athletics and a culture of commitment toward the overall success for the University of Kentucky and the Commonwealth. UK Athletics is supported with restricted gifts and with funds generated through athletic activities.