The Keydets played every sport independently until 1900, when they helped found the Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

They remained members of the Association until 1906, when they, along with Washington and Lee University, left the organization, citing internal discord.

The Keydets remained independent until 1918, when they joined the short-lived South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1918 for all sports.

In 2003, after 79 years in the SoCon, VMI departed for a then fledgling Big South Conference in all sports but lacrosse, rifle, swimming and diving, and wrestling.

Wrestling stayed in the SoCon and rifle in the MAC, while the lacrosse program moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).

On February 11, the Atlantic Sun Conference (A-Sun) announced that VMI would move its men's lacrosse program to that league effective with the 2014 season (2013–14 school year).

However, on January 9, 2014, the A-Sun and SoCon announced a lacrosse partnership which divided sponsorship of the sport between the two leagues effective in 2014–15.

The first year, VMI made their way to the Elite 8 led by future Laker Ron Carter.

VMI football history dates back to 1891 with the formation of a team under Walter Taylor.

[11] Woods replaced Jim Reid who left to coach outside linebackers for the Miami Dolphins.

For 25 years, VMI has been coached by John Trudgeon, a William and Mary graduate, and is assisted by Chris Skrtetkowicz and Jon Kemmerer.