Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) supports nearly 900 student-athletes who compete on the 36 sponsored intercollegiate athletic teams. It also supports the campus physical education, recreation and wellness initiatives. Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics department is seen as the premier athletic program in the country, achieving the highest levels of success both in the classroom and on the field. The core tenets of the Athletics Department culture, “The DAPER Way” are: Embrace Scholar-Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead With Courage, and Work Cohesively. All department actions and employees are guided by these principles.
We are always striving to enhance our reputation as the best college athletics department in the country. Our teams have won an unparalleled 25 Learfield Directors’ Cups as the best athletics department in the country and we are equally proud of our department-wide 98% graduation rate. We strive to make our department efficient, innovative and high performing. We hold our staff and coaches to the highest standards in order to continue to maintain our high levels of success.