Kean University prides itself not only on its academics, but also on its Department of Athletics and Recreation, which is more commonly known by students as "Kean Athletics." Currently, there are 14 sports teams here at Kean, which are recognized as part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, with the exception of Men's Lacrosse which is only part of the Colonial States Athletic Conference and Men's Volleyball which is part of the Continental Volleyball Conference in addition to the NCAA.
Kean athletes are known to go above and beyond in their academics and extracurricular activities and are a prime example of the benefits of getting involved on campus. The Kean Athletics department is a prominent feature of campus life here at Kean due to the high number of student athletes on campus as well as the integration of games around campus.
The Men's Sports Team are as follows:
The Women's Sports Teams are as follows:
Daniel Garrett, the Head Coach of the football team said, "The best vehicle that I know to teach life lessons is sports. The experience teaches [athletes] to embrace and applaud all the small victories off the field that will amount to larger victories in life and the bigger picture."
He continued, "Success for me is taking a player where he could not go without my guidance and leadership. It is having a life long relationship well past the 4 years of actually coaching him as a player."
Through Kean Athletics, there are many facilities on the main campus where the teams practice and hold games, the largest being the Kean Alumni Stadium which can hold up to 5,300 spectators. It features a full turf field as well as an eight lane competition track. Spectators will notice the large bleachers, lights, press box and the updated scoreboards, especially the North scoreboard as it has HD quality.
Adjacent are the Kean Alumni Stadium Tennis Courts which are home to the Women's Tennis Team. This facility features six courts as well as lighting and space for 100 guests.
Known as the hub for Kean Athletics, Harwood Arena was completed in 2005 and is where the basketball and volleyball programs call home. This also houses all of the offices for the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The arena can hold up to 2,750 spectators and also features an elevated one-eighth of a mile track. The university also hosts several events here throughout the semesters, such as this past year's Kean Dance Marathon.
Also located on main campus is the Jim Hynes '63 Baseball Stadium, which features seating for over 700 spectators, a press box, lighting, and turf batting cages. Located right next to the baseball field is the Cougar Softball Field which was completed in 2008, which formerly was located on the East Campus. This field features lighting and seating for 200 guests.
The D'Angola Gymnasium used to be the facility where everything was housed as it was first built in 1963. This is where the main fitness center, the six lane swimming pool and the physical education department offices and classrooms. The Athletic Training Rehabilitation Center is also located here, which is known to be one of the best facilities at the Division III NCAA level. Some of its features include electrical stimulation and ultrasound machines, SwimEx rehabilitation pool, Biodex isokinetic testing, fluoroscope x-ray machine and much more which all ensures that the athletes are in the best condition possible.
The last facility on main campus, which finished the plan for the main campus facilities, is the Carole Hynes Field House, which overlooks the Kean Alumni Stadium. This houses the concessions and restrooms for the adjacent fields as well as a weight room on the second floor.
Located on East Campus are the men's and woman's soccer fields. There are two practice fields which can house 1,200 spectators. Also inside is the east campus gymnasium, which includes a court that can be set up for two practice volleyball courts or one basketball court. It also features three locker rooms in the facility and weight and cardio rooms on the second floor.
The Department of Athletics and Recreation has had a beneficial impact on the campus culture at Kean as it promotes the values of hard work, dedication, good sportsmanship and perseverance all while still emphasizing educational values.
