Varsity letter

A varsity letter is an award earned in America by regular participation and/or excellence in a school sport. Traditionally, a varsity letter signifies that its winner was a stand-out varsity level athlete. Winners would wear a specially awarded letter-shaped badge on their clothing. In some institutions, the practice of awarding letters has now spread beyond the realm of strictly athletic endeavors to other activities, and may also honor regular participation and reliability.

The Varsity Letter award is analogous to the longer established Sporting Colours award traditionally made by European universities and schools.

See Also

• Sporting Colours