Participation in intercollegiate athletics, intramurals and recreation programs help develop personal qualities such as initiative, cooperation, physical and mental wellness. Athletic and recreational activities can be very beneficial to students' educational development. Intercollegiate sports for both men and women include soccer, Nordic ski racing, cross-country running, woodsmen's competitions, marathon canoe racing, rock climbing, swimming, and snowshoe racing. Other sports include men's rugby and basketball, and women's volleyball. Student athletes participating in soccer, cross-country, rugby and volleyball attend training in late August prior to the start of the academic semester.

Paul Smith's College athletics has returned to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) after four seasons in the NAIA, and became a full member of the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) in 2011. The USCAA provides wholesome athletic competition on a national level to small colleges. Both the USCAA and Paul Smith's College believe in placing the pursuit of education as the main priority of its student athletes. Paul Smith's College was a competitive member of the USCAA from 2003 - 2005, and we look forward to competing among like-minded small colleges who place an emphasis on academics.