Athletics at Knox has been building a winning tradition for more than a century. We awarded our first letter in 1881. Our first basketball team—a women's club that played teams from Galesburg and surrounding communities—took the court in 1896. Men's and women's intercollegiate teams followed just one year later and have since won more than 60 conference titles. Like those historic teams, today's Knox teams compete with a passion and intensity that makes Prairie Fire the only appropriate name for them. With 21 varsity sports teams, more than a quarter of Knox students participate in athletics, and more than a quarter of Prairie Fire athletes play more than one sport.

Knox is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Midwest Conference (MWC), one of the oldest conferences in the nation. Competition in the conference is intense and spirited, including the local rivalry between Knox and Monmouth College—the sixth-oldest athletic rivalry in the country. At Knox, athletics is an integral part of the educational experience and creates an opportunity for scholar-athletes to become well-rounded individuals. The College is committed to the NCAA Division III philosophy of making academics the priority, placing the highest emphasis on the overall quality of the educational experience. As part of this philosophy, Knox also seeks to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among Prairie Fire athletes and coaching staff.

Our coaches are educators, dedicated to the success of each student-athlete—both in the classroom and in their chosen sports. Prairie Fire staff consistently challenge students to reach their potential as students and as athletes. They are committed to winning—both on and off the field.

Quick Sports Facts
Mascot: Prairie Fire
Colors: Purple and Gold
Affiliation: NCAA Division III
Conference: Midwest Conference
Director of Athletics: Chad Eisele