Varsity letter

A varsity letter is an award earned in the United States by regular participation or excellence in a school sport. Traditionally, a varsity letter signifies that its winner was a stand-out varsity 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