Athletics

Hear the rage of the Cajuns!

It doesn’t matter if you are in Opelousas or Chicago, when you hear someone mention Ragin’ Cajuns or see our red hot logo, you know it’s the one and only Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns._®

Our programs are on the geaux! In the 2013-2014 season, our teams claimed the Sun Belt Conference championship for softball, baseball, football, men's tennis and men's basketball — the winningest year in school history. In 2014, the men’s basketball program made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005; it also participated in an international tour in 2013, going undefeated (4-0) as they toured Spain. Basketball player Elfrid Payton was drafted to the NBA in the first round in 2014, after he won a gold medal that he earned with Team USA at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship.

The football team won four consecutive New Orleans Bowl games in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and Ragin’ Cajun fans helped crush attendance records at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome each of the four years. The baseball team was unanimously ranked No. 1 in 2014 — the first-ever No. 1 national ranking for any UL Lafayette sport — as it hosted the NCAA tournament Regionals and Super Regionals. The softball team has been conference champion 11 times in the last 13 years with six Softball College World Series appearances. Because of all of these accomplishments — and more — our athletics program's national ranking jumped to No. 34 in the country this year.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are members of the Sun Belt Conference and compete in the NCAA’s Division 1, the highest level of collegiate athletics. We compete in 16 sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, track and field, softball, soccer and volleyball.

Our student-athletes strive for success on the field, court, and in the classroom. The Student-Athlete Academic Center on campus provides student-athletes with academic support services programs, including assistance with balancing academic priorities, athletic success, and advising and tutoring. We have the highest student-athlete graduation rate in the state and in the Sun Belt Conference.

Our community’s love of the game extends to three distinct sites that allow fans to connect with Louisiana’s athletics program. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun Athletics is where you’ll find everything needed to get ready for game day—download team schedules, buy tickets, find parking on game day, or apply for tailgating permits—it’s all there!

The Athletic Network provides a place for former University athletes and fans to connect and join support teams for their favorite sports. The site also provides a place for fans to experience the rich history of our athletic program through the sharing of historic articles and preservation of sports-related documents, like this treasure detailing the history of our University mascots.

The Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation works with supporters to raise the funds needed to enhance every aspect of UL Lafayette’s athletics organization. Whether it’s helping increase the annual athletics budget, securing funding for new facilities, or assisting in the recruitment of the best coaches for our teams, RCAF plays a major role in promoting Ragin’ Cajun pride—in Louisiana and around the world.

Geaux Cajuns!