The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) since the 2001–02 academic year.
Tennessee Wesleyan competes in 21 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track & field and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball; and co-ed sports include cheerleading and eSports.
=== Baseball ===
The university's baseball team has won the NAIA World Series 2 times (2012, 2019) as well as 24 conference championships and 12 conference tournament championships.
== Notable alumni ==
Carol Aebersold – co-author of The Elf on the Shelf
Tom Browning – MLB pitcher, member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame
Ron Campbell – MLB infielder
Chris Cattaneo – professional soccer player
James Alexander Fowler – U.S. Assistant Attorney …
