[4] By the time of the school's first name change (to "Texas College of Arts and Industries") in 1929, the school participated in a wide array of sports, including football, baseball, men and women's basketball, and men and women's track and field.

The school has a rich history of athletes who have moved on to national and international competition in the Olympic Games, as well as various professional sport leagues.

One highlight of this period included a football game that pitted the Javelinas against the Aggies of Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station.

As a result, many athletes choose to play for Texas A&M University–Kingsville simply for the opportunity to shine on a national stage.

[4] In 1990, athletic director and Javelina Football Coach Ron Harms announced that the university would re-establish a baseball team after more than 60 years.

In 1992, pitcher Nolan Ryan and a local rancher named Frank Horlock established a fund to build a baseball stadium on the campus.

A year later, Ryan and Horlock, along with NFL coaching legend Bum Phillips, actor Larry Hagman, and other celebrities, attended a gala event with around 350 guests that established the funds necessary to build the stadium.

[22] In 1993, the Javelinas of the newly renamed Texas A&M University–Kingsville" began competing with other LSC teams in NCAA Division II baseball.

Both teams have made deep runs in the NCAA Division II tournaments while gaining regional and national exposure.

The baseball team also has one appearance in the NCAA Division II College World Series in 2018.

The Javelina softball team has participated in three NCAA Division II championship tournaments: 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2019.

The Javelina men's basketball team has made deep runs in four NCAA Division II championship tournaments: 2009, 2004, 1996, and 1992.

The Lady Javelinas basketball team has participated in three NCAA Division II championship tournaments: 2001, 2000, and 1983.

Since the university was established in 1925, the school placed an emphasis on traditions that united students in institutional and organizational identity.