Centre began intercollegiate play in 1905 and produced many winning teams during the early part of the century. This consistent level of success has continued into the modern era.

Centre College has won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title 11 times in the last 17 years and has qualified for the NCAA Division III Final Four on two occasions. In 1978-79 and again in 1988-89, the Colonels reached the national semifinals. Centre has received invitations to the NCAA tournament eight times since 1979, winning an average of 15 games a season during that span.

Many Centre players have earned individual honors as well, including 30 All-SCAC selections, seven SCAC Player of the Year Awards, and three NCAA Division III All-America picks.