Background: Dysplastic nevi (DN) have distinct clinical and histologic features that distinguish them from common moles. While DN rarely become melanomas, individuals with DN are at increased melanoma risk, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure likely plays a role. Between 2012-2023 collegiate athletes at Stanford University completed surveys on sun exposure, sun protective behaviors, and prior diagnosis of DN. This data allowed estimation of DN prevalence and characteristics associated with diagnosis of DN. Methods: Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted between sun exposure (calculated as hours/year) and sun protection behavior score (0-14 based on 7 questions), demographic characteristics and DN history. Odds ratios for outdoor training reflect increased odds of self-reported DN per 50-hour increase of exposure. Results: Among the 2,629 athletes, 765 reported receiving a full-body skin examination in their lifetime. Of those athletes, 177 (23.14%) reported that their doctor diagnosed an atypical mole/DN. In univariate analyses, time training outdoors, hair color, eye color, skin type, and decreased sun protection were significantly associated with DN. In multivariate analyses only skin type (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60, 0.87), time training outdoors (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01, 1.11) and lessened sun protection (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86, 0.95) remained significant. Conclusions: College athletes reported high prevalence of DN and there was an association between both increased sun exposure and decreased sun protection and presence of DN. These findings suggest interventions are needed to assist collegiate athletes to protect their skin and increase awareness of the need for skin checks.