Let’s Go, Carthage Firebirds!
Competing in one of the strongest NCAA Division III conferences provides a first-class test that Carthage athletic teams frequently ace. Need proof? Just look at the shiny new hardware in our trophy case.
At Carthage, we’re firm believers that the best education combines all of your passions — not just the academic ones. About 40 percent of our students compete in 28 different sports: 14 for women, 13 for men, and coed esports.
Firebirds don’t settle for participation ribbons, either. In 2021 and 2022, the men’s volleyball team cemented its place as a perennial power, winning back-to-back national championships. Over the years, individual student-athletes from multiple Carthage sports have also brought home 19 NCAA titles.
“I chose Carthage because it’s close to home. I really like the community and was recruited for the Carthage Esports team. Everyone I met in the program is enjoyable to be around.”
— Tony Lule ’26,
Esports
“Coaches and professors are really supportive of student-athletes. They make sure we can balance our personal well-being, academics, and athletic success.” — Malia Green ’26, Basketball
“Everyone is so nice and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of support between all the sports teams.” — Jordan Mok ’28, Soccer
We Are Firebirds
More than a team name, “Firebirds” represents a unifying Carthage spirit. The quest for knowledge has burned continuously at the College for more than 175 years.
A legendary creature made of living fire or light, the firebird appears most prominently in Slavic folk tales. Its mythological ancestors, from the Greek phoenix to the Chinese fenghuang, can be traced back thousands of years.
The name and imagery evoke words like:
BOLD. RADIANT. UNCOMMON. INSPIRING.
Visit the Carthage Athletics website
“Being a Firebird means being part of a close-knit and supportive community. It’s about showing up for others, working hard, and growing both as a student and an athlete. I’m proud to represent Carthage in a way that reflects those values.” — Diego Py Silva ’27, Tennis
