Education Through AthleticsAthletic participation helps our students grow, learn, and enjoy themselves while they use and develop their personal, physical, and intellectual skills. Harvard values the lessons that have long been taught by athletic participation: the pursuit of excellence through personal development and teamwork, ethical and responsible behavior on the field and off, adherence to the spirit of rules as well as to their letter, leadership and strength of character, and sportsmanship – respect for one's opponents, acceptance of victory with humility, and acknowledgment of defeat with grace. In teaching these lessons to its students, Harvard instills habits that will lead students to better and healthier lives. While winning is not an end in itself, we believe that the efforts by our intercollegiate athletes to be their best will lead them to succeed throughout their lives.Build Community and Pride in HarvardAthletics at Harvard builds community through the engagement of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and creates a portal through which neighboring communities can enjoy the Harvard experience. We all take pride in knowing that our coaches are educators and our athletes are true representatives of Harvard's student body – Harvard athletes are admitted through the same process, receive the same academic support, and are held to the same standards as every other Harvard student. Successful athletic teams generate unique excitement across the campus and community, help strengthen bonds among the various arms of our university, build collegiate loyalty in a healthy manner, and give our community members yet another reason to be proud to represent Harvard.