Shawnee State Bears

The Shawnee State Bears are the athletic teams that represent Shawnee State University, located in Portsmouth, Ohio, in intercollegiate sports. They are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, primarily competing in the River States Conference. The Bears joined the RSC in 2023 after 13 years in the Mid-South Conference. The Bears previously competed in the defunct American Mideast Conference from 1991–92 to 2009–10; and as an NAIA Independent from 1986–87 to 1990–91. In the 2026–27 academic year, the Shawnee State teams will join the Mountain East Conference pending their acceptance into NCAA Division II.
The Shawnee State athletics program was established in 1986. The Bears have participated in 25 national championships and 17 conference championships in 7 of 11 sponsored sports.

Varsity teams

Shawnee State competes in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports:
They will add football in the 2026–27 academic year when they join the MEC.

Apart from the varsity teams, the university has a men's volleyball club.