Athletics at Elmira College complements the academic experience by providing an environment in which a student-athlete can cultivate and enhance physical, psychological, social growth and development.

National rankings and postseason tournaments have become annual traditions for the Soaring Eagles. Accolades achieved by Elmira College athletic programs include two NCAA National Championships in Women's Ice Hockey (2002, 2003) and two National Championships in Women's Cheerleading (2000, 2007). Additionally, Elmira College student-athletes have garnered numerous individual postseason conference, regional, and national honors.

Elmira College's Soaring Eagles currently participate in ten varsity sports for women (field hockey, golf, ice hockey, soccer, softball, tennis, basketball, lacrosse, cheerleading, and volleyball), and in six varsity sports for men (basketball, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis). The Soaring Eagles offer junior varsity teams in men's and women's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's basketball, cheerleading, softball, and men's lacrosse. EC offers twenty-six sports at varsity and junior varsity levels, maximizing participation opportunities for its students. Elmira College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA), Hockey West, and the Empire 8. Intercollegiate teams compete at the NCAA Division III level against private and public colleges and universities throughout the Northeast.