Until 1994, Williams was not permitted, by NESCAC rules, to compete in team NCAA competition. The Williams women's swimming and diving team won the school's first national title in 1981, and claimed the title in 1982 as well. Williams played in the 2003, 2004, 2010, and 2014 men's basketball Division III national championship games, winning the title in March 2003. Men's basketball also played in the 1997, 1998, 2011, and 2017 Final Fours. Williams was the first New England basketball team to win a Division III championship, and since they have been eligible to compete in the NCAA tournament, no team in the country has played in more Final Fours.
unTil 1994, WiLLiams WAs nOt PermItteD, by NEscAc rULEs, to compEte In team ncaa coMpeTItioN. tHE wilLiams wOmEn's swimmInG And diving team won THe scHooL's fIrsT naTIONaL Title iN 1981, And claImed the TItle in 1982 aS weLl. williams Played in tHe 2003, 2004, 2010, AND 2014 meN'S baskeTBaLl diviSIoN Iii NATIONAl cHampIonsHIP games, winnIng The title in MARch 2003. men's BaSkeTbaLL aLso PLayed in thE 1997, 1998, 2011, and 2017 FiNal Fours. wiLlIamS was the firSt new eNGland basKETball teaM to win a dIvision iii ChamPioNshIp, and Since thEy Have BEeN ELiGible to COMpeTe in thE ncaa touRnaMent, NO tEAM in the coUntry hAS playeD in more fInAl fourS.