Historically the Huguenots were a group of French Calvinists who, while escaping religious persecution, played a major part in the European settlement of New Paltz.

The teams include football, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, track and field, gymnastics, volleyball, cross country, swimming, Nordic skiing, wrestling, tennis, lacrosse, and golf.

The New Paltz track and field program has also had championship success, winning Section 9 Class B titles during 2010 (tying with Ellenville high school), 2011 and 2012 as well as being the 2011 and 2012 Mid-Hudson Athletic League champions.

The men's varsity swim team also placed 2nd in the New York state championship meet during 2010 at Buffalo, losing to Shenendehowa High School.

[5] Participating students arrive at the school early to assist with the show, both as the anchors and to work with the technology in the control room to insert green screen backgrounds and videos directly into the teleprompter.