Emporia State Hornets

Emporia State Hornets
UniversityEmporia State University
ConferenceThe MIAA
NCAADivision II
Athletic directorSteve Rodecap
LocationEmporia, Kansas
Varsity teams15 (7 men's, 8 women's, 1 co-ed)
Football stadiumFrancis G. Welch Stadium
Basketball arenaWilliam L. White Auditorium
Baseball stadiumTrusler Sports Complex
Softball stadiumTrusler Sports Complex
MascotCorky the Hornet
NicknameHornets
Fight song"Fight On Emporia!"
ColorsBlack and gold
   
Websiteesuhornets.com

The Emporia State Hornets are the athletic teams that represent Emporia State University (ESU). The women's basketball and softball teams use the name Lady Hornets. The university's athletic program fields 15 varsity teams in 11 sports all of whom have combined to win 50 conference championships as well as three national championships (1 NAIA, 1 AIAW and 1 NCAA). Corky the Hornet serves as the mascot representing the teams, and the school colors are black and gold. Emporia State participates in the NCAA Division II and has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) since 1991.

The university's athletic director is Steve Rodecap, who began his tenure on August 5, 2025. The Hornet football team has been coached by Garin Higgins since 2007. MJ Baker was named head coach of the Lady Hornets basketball program in 2025. The women's basketball program is the school's only NCAA championship, which the team won during the 2010 tournament. The men's basketball team is coached by Tom Billeter.